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Training Update No.2A training update was released approximately 9 months ago and discussed the work to be carried out on the production of training packages. This second update outlines the work carried out so far and the progress made. The training sub-group was formed in April 2002 and was tasked with the production of both aluminothermic and arc welding training packages. The previous article discussed the work that had been carried out at that time and stated that the work on the aluminothermic training package should have been ready for review by the end of 2002, whilst the arc welding package would be available by the summer of 2003. This appraisal of the situation has proved to be overly optimistic, as the aluminothermic package has still not been completed (although it should be at the time of publication of this article) and the arc welding package has not yet commenced. So why the delay? The original concept was to take trainees and to produce 'well rounded' individuals that would be qualified in both Thermit and Railtech processes. A considerable amount of work went into the production of the respective aluminothermic welding syllabuses until the Group realised that attempting to train both processes simultaneously would probably lead to confusion for both trainee and instructor alike, whilst the amount of information to be digested by the trainee would have resulted in meltdown! At this point, common sense prevailed and the Group agreed the following,
The assistant/trainee welder course will involve basic training in both welding processes, oxy-fuel gas cutting (not rail end preparation) and will include proficiency in powered plant and abrasive wheels. The course duration will be three weeks. Training for the full welding upgrade courses in both processes, will include all process variants (ie standard gap, wide gap, slab track etc). On successful completion of training, welding operatives will be fully proficient in all aspects of the respective welding process and there should be no further requirement for additional training courses. As a result, the duration for these courses will be for five weeks. Welding operatives will then be required to spend the requisite period of consolidation in track before being granted 'full' welder status. As mentioned previously, the arc welding package has yet to commence, however, once the aluminothermic package is complete, membership of the Group will be adjusted to reflect the requirements for arc welding. Network Rail line standards, RT/CE/S/032 and RT/CE/S/132, specifies an implementation date for the approval of training centres and approved training packages by October 2003. As this date is rapidly approaching and compliance appears to be unlikely, an extension to April 2004 has recently been announced. A workshop for rail welder training organisations will be held at TWI, Cambridge on 11 November 2003. Attendance is free of charge. For further details contact Carol Colegate. Tel: 01223 891162 Ext 2591. Fax: 01223 894219. E-mail: carol.colegate@twi.co.uk Bill Mosley, |
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