News Release

NPL training gets national accreditation

Business Announcement

National Physical Laboratory

The National Physical Laboratory's (NPL) prestigious measurement training has become a nationally recognised qualification, following accreditation by awarding body EAL. Manufacturers undergoing the training will now have an independently recognised industry qualification, improving workforce motivation and providing added confidence to customers.

NPL have undertaken rigorous tests to show the programme meets national standards. So far, four courses have been approved as qualifications – Dimensional Measurement Level 1 & 2 and Portable Coordinate Measurement Systems (large volume metrology) Levels 1 & 2.

NPL metrology training is invaluable to many manufacturing business in the UK, as many problems in manufacturing stem from measurement capability issues. NPL delivers training directly to employers from Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Landrover, Airbus, QinetiQ and BAE Systems, as well as many others.

Tom Ashby, Business Development Manager for Training at NPL explains:

"Having the training nationally recognised is a great step forward. NPL receive many requests for nationally recognised training which we are now able to fulfil. Employers want this as it carries weight with their customers and potential customers, who can be assured of an increased level of quality. Such recognition also opens the door for potential funding channels and provides access to apprenticeships and other opportunities."

"Learners also benefit by gaining an industry recognised qualification, which improves their career prospects, leading to increased motivation and confidence."

NPL training teaches an understanding of the under-pinning importance of measurement. Employees learn to question, understand and plan the best way to measure, beyond simply being able to use equipment. This helps them build systems into the manufacturing process, reducing errors and waste, and improving quality control and accuracy. This ultimately means businesses can increase productivity and respond to their customers more quickly.

One such business is Dawson Precision Components, who have put several members of staff through NPL training and plan to continue to do so. Managing Director Simon Dawson said "This is a very welcome move. NPL training has had an important impact on the levels of quality we can offer, which leads to greater customer confidence. This accreditation will provide independent assurance to business prospects that we have the capabilities to deliver the highest level of measurement expertise."

Tom Ashby concludes: "Working with EAL just made sense. As market leaders in engineering N/SVQs they were the obvious partner for getting our training accredited onto the new Qualifications and Credit Framework. Their flexible approach and translation of the language of accreditation has made the process less daunting for NPL and we are delighted to have received final approval by Ofqual."

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For more information, please contact: Tom Ashby tom.ashby@npl.co.uk

Find out more about NPL Training www.npl.co.uk/training

EAL website www.eal.org.uk


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