News

In a continuous effort to equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard the nation’s infrastructure, the Industrial Coatings Applicator Training Scheme (ICATS) has expanded its reach to Sheffield. This development follows the successful launch of the ICATS programme at our training centre in Dunfermline, Scotland.

The first ICATS course in Sheffield took place in September, marking the beginning of an exciting journey in industrial coatings education. Hosted at our state-of-the-art training facility at the Sheffield Business Park, the course was taught by Allan Keatt, an NDT Technician and Coatings Inspector with over 13 years of experience.

Allan’s wealth of knowledge and expertise is a cornerstone of this programme, providing students with invaluable insights and skills that will set them on a path to becoming proficient industrial coatings applicators.

The importance of competent industrial coatings applicators

The critical role played by industrial coatings applicators in preserving the integrity of our nation’s infrastructure cannot be overstated. Modern high-performance coatings have grown in complexity and cost, making the demand for skilled professionals in this field more pressing than ever. Properly trained industrial coatings applicators are crucial to ensure the correct preparation and application of coatings, thus reducing the risk of costly failures and defects for businesses.

Many prominent organisations, including the Highways Agency, Network Rail, the Environment Agency, and numerous oil and gas companies, now mandate ICATS qualification for professionals working on their projects.

Gain an industry recognised qualification

Our ICATS course, accredited by the Institute of Corrosion, caters to organisations seeking to enhance the skills of their workforce by training them as competent industrial coatings applicators under an accredited scheme. Additionally, individuals looking to forge a career as a certified Industrial Coatings Applicator can greatly benefit from this programme.

The course curriculum is divided into theory and practical elements, providing a comprehensive educational experience. Ongoing assessments are conducted to gauge the candidates’ knowledge and understanding of the course material. The content is segmented into 12 chapters, covering a range of vital topics including:

• Health and safety in painting
• Corrosion protection
• Adhesion and paint service
• Paint application by brush
• Tools and equipment maintenance
• Environmental and inspection aspects of painting

If you’re interested in becoming a certified Industrial Coatings Applicator or wish to enhance the skills of your workforce, join us for our next ICATS course in Sheffield.