Burscough apprentice takes on 'piles' of challenges

Pic: The Burscough apprentice is hoping to have a bright future

Submitted by Jane Hunt

An apprentice from Burscough is taking on the challenge of earning his NVQ certificates alongside blue card and red card standard in the piling industry,

Chris Webber, 23, has recently become an apprentice with Sheet Piling (UK) Ltd, he is aspiring to be a part of an exciting programme of engineering activity, working on-site at the sharp end of a variety or projects around the UK.

The apprenticeship structure is based on on-the-job assessments and will lead to an NVQ 2 Piling Attendant qualification. Apprentices will learn about all forms of piling, with a particular focus on the steel sheet pile in which Sheet Piling UK specialises.

Chris will achieve the Construction Plant Competence Scheme’s (CPCS) Blue card, demonstrating his ability to act as a slinger signaller and to do so safely, with all the necessary skills required.

A slinger signaller acts as the eyes and ears of a crane operator who cannot see things around them and the role requires a diligent approach and lots of concentration and focus.  To acquire the skills required to do this, Chris will undergo a four-day course, as well as learning on the job.

Chris should also achieve the Red card standard, signifying he has passed theoretical and practical CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) health, safety and environment tests.

In addition, he will gain health and safety awareness and Emergency First Aid at Work accreditation's and be awarded a Construction Skills Certification Scheme Card, to reflect their occupation and qualifications within the industry.

Chris has already added value to Sheet Piling UK, by highlighting how enhanced communication would be helpful and allow them to feed upon ongoing instruction, rather than having to try to grasp some elements of the job themselves.

This has proved helpful, as communication is something that can be pushed down the priority list, when in the throes of work on a busy construction site, where concentration and focus is placed on the installation itself or the health and safety aspects around it.

Chris has some key aspirations.  He said:, “I enjoy acquiring new skills and am excited at knowing that I am going to be travelling around the UK, having independence and more than one mentor to talk to.  

"I can’t wait to achieve my slinger signalling qualification and to learn how to drive a crane or a forklift.  I also want to become a very good welder.”

Speaking about the creation of these on-site apprenticeships, Andrew Cotton, managing director of Sheet Piling UK, says: “We have already received great satisfaction from seeing two enthusiastic young people grasp our world and engage with the type of work we do.

"Getting out on to live sites could be daunting for some, but Chloe and Chris are fully embracing the opportunity and providing us with new insight, as we go along.

“We predict that both of these young people will have a very bright future in the world of sheet piling and also help erode the impression that jobs in this sector are only for older construction sector professionals."

More information about the company can be found at here and enquiries about future apprenticeship opportunities can be directed to the team on 01772 794141.

Get all the latest news, updates, things to do and more from Burscough, Lancashire's dedicated InYourArea feed.