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Middlesbrough-based The Academy of Joint Integrity is supporting the development of the next generation of Process Engineers in Tees Valley with a specialist programme of training for the Science Industry Apprenticeship Consortium North East (SIAC NE).

In partnership with TTE Technical Training Institute, the Academy, which is part of international sealing solutions manufacturer Flexitallic, delivered a programme of joint integrity training to a group of 14 apprentices working towards a Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship.

Taking place at TTE’s training centre in Middlesbrough, the programme was designed to increase the apprentices’ knowledge of pipeline connections on process industry facilities with a key focus on safety issues within the field of joint integrity,
To complete the course, Assembly & Hand Torque of Bolted Flange Connections, the apprentices undertook a series of theory and practical sessions, which were delivered using the Academy’s unique Flange Assembly Demonstration Unit (FADU).

A practical training rig, the FADU enables trainees to tighten bolted joints and see the impact of the procedure on-screen through innovative load-monitoring software.

Through the use of the FADU the apprentices experienced first-hand the effect of applying bolt loads on flanges containing different types of gasket and could view through the software the interaction between the pipe flange, fasteners and the gaskets using a variety of assembly and tightening procedures.

The additional skills and competencies gained by the apprentices during the Academy of Joint Integrity programme will enhance their training during the three-year apprenticeship.

Organised by the Science Industry Apprenticeship Consortium (SIAC) in the North East, the apprenticeship involves trainees spending a year at TTE gaining practical skills and vocational qualifications in its industry-standard workshops.

A further two years are spent on site gaining hands-on experience as part of the workforces of consortium member companies, which include Seqens, Lotte Chemical, CPI, Huntsman, Conoco Philips, SABIC and Venator.

Gary Milne, Academy Director at the Academy of Joint Integrity, said:

“We are very pleased to support SIAC in the development of its process apprentices with this specialist training. Joint integrity is of vital importance to the safety and efficient operations of process plants and through this training the apprentices gained a practical insight into the skills and competencies required to manage bolted joints.”

Hayley Carter, Chair of SIAC North East, who is also Learning and Development Advisor at CPI, said:

“Working with our education partners like TTE we have devised an apprenticeship programme that will help support the development of the next generation of process engineers for the North East. The specialist training from the Academy of Joint Integrity demonstrates the comprehensive approach we are taking to deliver skills and competencies that will be integral to their future careers.”

Steve Grant, CEO at TTE Technical Institute, said:

“TTE has been delivering apprenticeships for the process industry for decades and are proud to work alongside SIAC in the delivery of its programme. Through our long-standing relationship with the Academy of Joint Integrity we are able to add value to the apprenticeship with these focused and very specialist training modules that will enhance the knowledge and experience of the apprentices.”