TRAINING

The BGA believes that the spreading of good practice is essential if the industry is to grow and progress. The teaching of skills to newcomers and the enhancement of existing skills to meet the challenges of new technology is therefore the mission of the BGA's Training Committee

The BGA as Training enabler

As part of its mission, the BGA's Training Committee has put in place a Training Referrals system whereby any member company requiring training assistance or advice can contact the BGA Chief Executive, who will consult the Training Committee and see what can be done to help.

The BGA does not directly provide training but like the Technical Committee, is more a training enabler - recommending to Members organisations that are providers of good training practice and near to companies needing assistance.

On-site lectures

Enrollment

The Training Committee organises several popular technical/practical lectures and site visits each year on various aspects of gear metrology, manufacturing and support services such as heat treatment, SPC etc. The visits are held at Member companies involved in the manufacture or use of mechanical transmission products. Three lectures, hobbing, shaping and grinding have been integrated together into one theme - Gear Production and this format has been very successful providing continuity and enabling a comparative analysis to be developed. Other lectures cover bevel gears and steels.

The Committee is always keen to hear from Members and non-Members about their training needs and suggestions for new topics.

Gear Cutting and Measurement course

A joint venture between the BGA and Midland Group Training Services (MGTS) provides a basic 'Introduction to Gear Cutting and Measurement' course of 4 days duration. This course covers both theory and practical work relating to the manufacture and measurement of shaped and hobbed, spur and helical gears.

Skills enhancement

Individual skills training is an area constantly under examination by BGA, which has worked closely with the Engineering Training Authority (EnTrA), to ensure that suitable training standards are set.

The relationship between the BGA Training Committee and the Engineering Training Authority (EnTra) has continued to strengthen with regular discussions taking place on topics of mutual interest. The Committee continues to be active in consultation with EnTra on proposals for standards and competencies leading to the National Vocational Qualifications. With the formation of the Engineering Marine Training Authority (EMTA) (now replacing EnTrA) it is envisaged that the close consultations will continue.