SIAS

We've issued our November Product Update! This regular update is part of our commitment to keeping our provider and employer partners up to date with developments at SIAS and key changes to apprenticeship standards. In our latest edition we talk about our new qualifications now available to SIAS Approved Centres, standards that SIAS has recently applied to end-point assess and changes to standards including Level 3 Metal Fabricator and Level 3 Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technician. We’ve also introduced new resources for Level 2 Healthcare Science Assistant V1.1, Level 3 Process Industry Manufacturing Technician, Level 5 Embalmer and Level 3 Science Manufacturing Technician (2023). If you haven’t received the update but think you should have, just check it hasn’t gone into your junk email or get in touch at info@siasuk.com #epao #awardingorganisation #doingthingsdifferently Steve Smith

We’re counting down the days to the AELP Autum Conference in #Manchester on Thursday. We’re the registration sponsor and we’re also exhibiting. With lots happening in the skills sector we know it’s going to be a fantastic event. Look out for us on stand 17! #aelpAC24 #Skills Steve Smith

It’s time for some #FridayFeedback! “SIAS are our chosen EPAO provider simply because they are the best in the market. Their customer focused approach with employer and learner support from the start of the programme is the complete package we were looking for. As a specialist apprenticeship provider in the Science & Process sector, having an EPAO that understands our industry, and the requirements of the standards we deliver, is essential to creating a good learning experience for our apprentices and employers.” A huge thank you to James McIntosh, from Cogent Skills for your support! #AwardingOrganisation #EPAO #Endpointassessment Steve Smith

Our Managing Director Steve Smith reflects on the key announcements for our sector from yesterday’s budget statement: “There were no major surprises for our sector coming out of the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget Statement 2024 yesterday, and whilst there were some early positives in terms of direction of travel for skills, it is clear that much more is still required in terms of investment if we are to create the conditions for success required to deliver a truly global leading skills model. At SIAS we welcomed the £300 million pledged to support the FE sector in England, a sector we are proud to partner with, although as always much more needs to be done to similarly support the Independent Training Provider sector (ITPs), who do an equally incredible job, and who deliver more than 60% of Apprenticeship starts in England currently - getting that balance right is something I hope this government looks to achieve across the next Parliament, and I know would be valued by both our FE and ITP Provider partners. The £40 million to introduce Foundation and Shorter Duration Apprenticeships in key sectors is the thin edge of a bigger wedge, but again a step in a direction which we broadly support, I’m very much looking forward to the detail on that, and on much more detail around plans for the reformed Growth & Skills Levy – what training and provision will be in scope?, what will be the actual level of that funding ‘flex’ for non-apprenticeship provision?....these will of course be key questions to answer in terms of the future landscape! As the leading specialist Awarding Organisation for STEM industries, inclusive of skills for net zero transition, we welcomed, and were encouraged by, several commitments in the Autumn Statement which relate to key sectors which we heavily support and partner with, including: ·      A confirmed £70 million for the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund in 2025-26, part of a long-term funding commitment of up to £520 million aimed at fostering growth and resilience for future Health emergencies. ·      Hydrogen Production, with confirmed support for 11 green hydrogen projects, the first commercial-scale initiatives of their kind globally. ·      Carbon Capture: previously announced multi-year investment into carbon capture and storage was confirmed, £3.9 billion allocated in 2025-26 for the first UK CCUS clusters. ·      Nuclear Energy: £2.7 billion to continue development of Sizewell C through 2025-26, and a continued commitment to UK fusion energy research, reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in sustainable nuclear energy. I look forward to SIAS continuing to do our part, working in real partnership with Employers, Providers and our Sector Bodies, to shape those conditions for success, as focus shifts to the critical spending review in Spring 2025.” If you’re interested in hearing more from SIAS and how we are #doingthingsdifferently get in touch at partnerships@siasuk.com

Did you know that we #endpointassess the Level 6 Materials Science Technologist (degree) and are ready to support your apprentices on programme. The Materials Science Technologist occupation is at the forefront of materials innovation in the Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical, Engineering, Construction, and Manufacturing industries across numerous sectors.   In their daily work, materials technologists will engage in high level activities such as materials testing, novel product development, solving manufacturing issues, laboratory management, team leadership, technological sales and client management. This is a 48-month apprenticeship and the EPA consists of three assessment methods… a worked based project comprising of project report, presentation and questioning, a professional discussion and a knowledge test. If you have apprentices on or about to start on programme, get in touch to find out more about our unique #startpoint to #endpoint support model designed to support your apprentices to succeed.   #EndPointAssessment #Apprenticeships

South Eastern Regional College have begun working with Science Industry Assessment Service (SIAS) to develop new healthcare engineering specialist technician (HEST) courses, in partnership with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The courses will be designed to give the learner a fundamental understanding of the role of a healthcare technician and allow them to demonstrate competence in engineering maintenance operations when working within the wider healthcare setting. The first of these courses, the SIAS Level 2 Certificate in the Fundamentals of Healthcare Estates, will launch in January 2025. Following this, a Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma will launch in September 2025. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/enWwMZUQ.. #DiscoverFE

It’s time for some #FridayFeedback… “SIAS have provided us with great support, ensuring that every query is addressed promptly and effectively. Their extensive range of online resources have been invaluable, offering comprehensive materials that cater to all our needs. “The friendly and approachable nature of the SIAS team makes the entire process smooth and enjoyable. I highly recommend SIAS for their commitment to supporting us every step of the way.” Thanks Alex Molloy, Curriculum Manager – Advanced Engineering Apprenticeships at the Blackpool and The Fylde College, for your kind words and on-going support! #doingthingsdifferently Steve Smith

It’s 2 weeks to until AELP’s Autumn Conference 2024 taking place at the Hilton Deansgate, Manchester. With the skills landscape changing, the conference looks to support providers in tackling the immediate issues that affect their capacity to deliver excellent results for employers and learners, and we are thrilled to be the Registration Sponsor. If you’re attending make sure to come and visit us at exhibition stand 17! The event is now sold out but registration remains open for online attendance: https://buff.ly/4cARKyE #aelpAC24 Steve Smith

SERC and SIAS Collaboration We have been working with South Eastern Regional College (SERC) to develop new healthcare estates and facilities engineering qualifications, in partnership with Belfast Health and Social Care NHS Trust, and are delighted to announce that the first of these qualifications will launch in January 2025! Our MD Steve Smith said: “As Managing Director of SIAS, I am delighted to announce our strategic partnership with SERC in Northern Ireland. This exciting collaboration marks a significant step forward in SIAS’s wider, cast-iron commitment, to supporting the Northern Ireland skills agenda working in partnership across industry.” The first of the courses to be launched is the SIAS Level 2 Certificate in the Fundamentals of Healthcare Estates qualification. SERC Lead Business Manager Stephen McGreevy commented “The Level 2 HEST course is designed to address a knowledge and skills gap found within the Healthcare Trusts, where long standing modes of training and skills delivered are no longer meeting the modern needs and operations of their estates. Working closely with Belfast Healthcare Trust and SIAS, we have designed a suite of courses for the modern HEST operative to be career ready.” Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eEfWFTxY.. We’re very much looking forward to the launch in January 2025… for more information on our Awarding services, please contact partnerships@siasuk.com #AwardingOrganisation #collaboration #qualifications

Did you know that we offer a SIAS Level 3 Award in Process Safety Operations qualification? This qualification is designed to develop the learner’s knowledge and understanding in the principles of process safety management across an organisation and how the resulting measures are used in operations to maintain safe conditions of plant and equipment. The qualification is aimed at operators and technicians who wish to gain a clear understanding of the principles of process safety and takes up to 30 hours to complete. Explore our qualifications on our website and see how we can help your learners achieve their educational and professional goals www.siasuk.com Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your journey to success parnterships@siasuk.com #AwardingOrganisation #Qualifications