News 08 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk April/May 2026 BCAS launches new Compressed Air Management certified training programme The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has launched its updated and flexible Compressed Air Management certified training programme, which has been approved by the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) The programme compresses a suite of individual units, each relevant to specific industry needs to help learners undertake smaller and more targeted learning when it is needed. This training then builds into an award, a certificate or, over time, the full Diploma in Compressed Air Management (DipCam). Terry Coller, BCAS Training and Development Officer explains: “Our previous DipCam course has been a compressed air industry staple for many years, providing comprehensive training on a wide range of compressed air competencies, from system components to installation to maintenance to name a few. However, individuals needed to commit significant time from their day-to-day routines to study for the full diploma, with no other awards offered in between. “The new Compressed Air Management certified training programme offers a completely different approach, with units assigned a credit value We have designed it to be flexible and to cater for as many learning needs and styles as possible. Each individual unit can be purchased and studied individually, and certification will be issued upon a satisfactory result from the short test at the end of each unit. “For example, to achieve the entry-level award certification, learners need to attain two mandatory units and two optional units. To gain the full diploma, participants study five mandatory units and five optional units. “Mandatory units include safety considerations, compressors and compressed air treatment to name a few, while optional units cover air receivers, pneumatics, legislation and safety standards, system design and energy efficiency. “But we haven’t finished yet. We are already in the advanced stages for two additional units to be added to this suite, ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of the compressed air sector.” The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) has also approved the full suite of courses, confirming they meet the rigorous standards for Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Terry concluded: “The new Compressed Air Management certified training programme has been created with the help of many of our members. Not only have they contributed their technical expertise to ensure that each unit explains core subjects in detail, but they have helped ensure that the new programme delivers the correct level of training that is both meaningful to the learner and of benefit to the wider industry.” To learn more about the new, modular layout, please visit: https://elearning.bcas.org.uk/new-compressed-airmanagement-qualification-course/ Cochran bolsters its team with senior appointment Leading industrial boiler specialist, Cochran, has appointed Leigh Freeman as Head of People and Culture. Based at its headquarters in Newbie in South-West Scotland, Leigh will lead on the company’s recruitment, people strategy, talent development and culture. She brings more than 30 years’ experience in HR and recruitment to this newly created role and holds an MA in Human Resource Management, a NEBOSH general certificate, and is a qualified workplace mediator and Fellow of the CIPD (FCIPD). Most recently Leigh worked at Make UK, a membership organisation for the manufacturing industry where she provided HR consultancy to members. She oversaw the full HR function - from delivering targeted leadership training to guiding businesses through complex organisational change and site closures - and worked with owner-led companies, SMEs and global organisations. Leigh has also held senior in-house roles including Head of People and HR Manager positions in manufacturing and construction organisations. Leigh’s expertise and strategic outlook will benefit Cochran as she spearheads aligning the company’s talent strategy with business growth. She will lead the company’s people and culture strategy and help to enhance employee engagement and attract future talent. Leigh said: “I’m excited to be joining as Head of People and Culture in a new role that underlines Cochran’s commitment to putting its people first. “I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know and supporting the senior team over the last few years in a consultancy role and this has given me a clear insight into the company’s culture and ambitions. I’m really forward to building on the strong foundations already in place and helping to shape the next phase of growth. Tom Ritchie, Managing Director of Cochran commented “We are delighted to welcome Leigh to the team. From the work she has done with us to date it’s clear to see Leigh is highly motivated, with great integrity and a passion for people. “We are proud of our heritage and track record as a key employer in our region and are dedicated to providing opportunities and training to the next generation. Leigh’s appointment will help us to continue to attract and develop best in class talent.”
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