updates from www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS March 2026 35 Contact BCAS at Tel: 020 7935 2464 e-mail: info@bcas.org.uk website: www.bcas.org.uk Opting for the remote learning route through Cogent Skills, Mel is excited to be starting the apprenticeship as she explained: “Running the business with my husband has seen me involved in all aspects of distribution, from sales and service to exhibitions and events. My customers know they can rely on me for sound advice and technical support which I have gained during my many years working in the compressed air industry. But I wanted to supplement these skills with a recognised qualification, and the apprenticeship route offered the perfect opportunity. I’m the current chair of the BCAS training and development committee, and I’m passionate about encouraging young people into our industry: an industry which can offer some fantastic career opportunities. There are a host of BCAS training courses, which we’re working hard to promote to members and end-users to help improve standards and safety across the sector. Therefore, it’s important that I lead by example. As much as my apprenticeship journey is to further my own skills, I want to show others the benefits of lifelong learning too. From a personal perspective, I love the opportunity to try new things and to instil the value of staying inquisitive to my four daughters. My eldest daughter will be starting university soon to study law, and another of my daughters is about to start college, so I’m looking forward to learning alongside them. You could say that it runs in the family!” Mel has already enrolled on her apprenticeship, a process A lifelong passion for learning which she found very straightforward and is looking forward to the practical side of compressed air installation and maintenance, with the support of her husband, Graham. Mel concluded: “It’s a two-year commitment, but I can’t wait to get started and see where the apprenticeship takes me next. I’d recommend to anyone wanting to increase their skills in compressed air to consider enrolling.” “I believe that an apprenticeship in compressed air is not just an option – it’s a smart, professional route into a skilled career. The industry needs skilled people now and, in the future, and apprentices are central to that pipeline. Choosing an apprenticeship in compressed air isn’t about limiting options – it’s about opening doors to a stable and rewarding career. “ With 26 years’ industry experience under her belt and a thriving compressed air business, Meltem Middleton-Duff (Mel) is the latest recruit to start the BCAS compressed air and vacuum technician (CAVT) apprenticeship scheme. The Compressed Air and Vacuum Technician (CAVT) Apprenticeship is a practical, industry-led route that is helping to build the skills the sector needs now and for the future. It combines hands-on experience with structured learning, giving apprentices the opportunity to develop technical expertise, confidence, and a clear pathway for progression in the compressed air and vacuum industry. The Apprenticeship is now being delivered by two new training providers, Cogent Skills, which offersremote learning delivery and The Engineering Trust, which provides face-to-face classroom learning, expanding the ways apprentices and employers can access this important programme. This flexible approach is designed to support a range of learning styles, helping apprentices to engage in a way that works best for them, while continuing to meet the technical and practical needs of the industry. BCAS has also produced a comprehensive apprenticeship guide to support employers, learners, and even parents in understanding and navigating apprenticeships within the compressed air industry. The guide is designed to provide practical guidance at every stage of the apprenticeship journey and is available now, free of charge to BCAS members. The guide includes: Clear information on apprenticeships and how they work Support and guidance for employers, learners, and parents Induction charts to support a strong start Performance review templates Additional tools and resources to support apprentices throughout their journey If you would like a copy of the guide, please get in touch with the BCAS team or log into our elearning website to download a free copy https://elearning.bcas.org.uk/publications/
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