International Clay Technology Association
International Clay Technology Association
Report for 2014/15
The aims and objectives of ICTa are focussed to provide a programme of education and training opportunities to individuals employed within the UK Heavy Clays Sector. These are achieved through education and training courses and all supported by a network of local societies
The Management Committee, provides oversight of all activities,and provides information to the Ceramics Society, in which ICTa “sits” as part of the wider IoM3
The education and training activities are created and managed by the Education and Training Committee
A review of the operating structure is current in progress, against the backdrop of an ever changing supporting Industry, to ensure that ICTa remains relevant and worthy of continued support
Education and Training Committee-Chair Mrs Paula Wardle
Update on the current activities
Clay Tech 2015
This joint project between IoM3 and ICTa,is now in its 10th year with the event of 19thNovember, again held at the Staffordshire showground
The theme is “Technical Matters” which looks at the wide range of skills, technical expertise, process and equipment that are essential for the future of the Heavy Clays sector
Technical Certificates-Level 2 and 3 2014 course results
Level 2: Highest Mark: Liam Bailey- Ibstock Dorket Head
Level 3: Highest Mark: Imogen Harding- Wienerberger Waresley
Satisfactory pass rates for both courses, with resits being taken in January 16
Technical Certificate courses for 2115/16
Registration Open, limited to 30 places
The courses commence with an Introductionday workshop event and then mock and actual exams
Course fees for 2015 are £750+vat
The courses need to be “re-validated” by the awarding body in 2016.
The Level 2 material is currently being reviewed/re-written in line with the following criteria by a group of volunteers (Ian Walker, Steve Godfrey, Peter Sharp, Paula Wardle, and Will Hayles).
The next step is to discuss with PAVQSET the Awarding Body how we align the “new” material against a qualification, Certificate, Award? Etc.
Content of L2 reduced, but still “O” level standard. May be classified as an Award
After we have completed the review of the Level 2 course the Level 3 course will be looked at
Foundation Degree/Higher Apprenticeship
The course,being run by Derby University is progressing well. The Heavy Clay technology modules are being provided by a team of volunteers, with Derby putting converting to teaching material for distance learning
This part of the overall project has, and continues to be challenging, but the material will be in place for the courses
ICTa acknowledges the financial support of the ICT Education and Training Trust and IoM3, without which these courses would not have been possible
Roadshows-Professional CPD national event
Whilst the event in February, hosted by West Midlands was held, it again suffered from problems in broadcasting and receiving around the society network
A thorough review of this aspect is underway by a working group,chaired by Chris Hallas. It is intended to run these again,once the technical difficulties have been resolved
ICTa Study Tour event
Having run many successful events, both UK and overseas based, but hit by the recession, it was decided to trial a 4 day UK based event in September
The cost was £695, with 23 delegates taking part in the event based around Stoke on Trent
ICTa is very grateful to Peter Ellam Associates for arranging this event and to Yorkshire local society for assisting with finances
A future event is under discussion
A one day event to Quinn Glass,was very interesting, but not well supported
Marketing, Publicity and Communication, chair, David Baggaley
The focus of this is to interface with IoM3’s publications team who are responsible for Clay Technology
David is in regular contact with the CT team, and also acts as our webmaster for the ICTa microsite which sits within the overall IoM3 web site, and is ideal for publicising local society events
Local Society network
North Staffs, A very active society with a full programme of events, visits and joint meetings, with highlights being
A Charity Ball in June 2015, hosting the first ever heat of Young Persons Lecture Competition in February 2015 and put on a tour of Ibstock’s new Chesterton Factory in May 2015
Dr Andrew McKnight, Marley Eternit Chair, Carol Lockett, Secretary, Ibstock Brick
Yorkshire
Highlights of the year being
The visit to the hanger of Vulcan Bomber XH558 'The Spirit of Great Britain' The visit was a 'sell out' with 127 people wanting to attend the visit and only 60 places available. Overall the Yorkshire branch continued to build on the firm foundations that were put in place in the previous 2013/14 season when we able to resurrect the branch from its 'mothballed' status and we are generallypleased with the response and attendance at branch meetings although as ever we are always to see both old and new members attending.
Mr Pat Furr, Chair, Carlton Brick and Mr C Hallas,Secretary,Shire Minerals
Lancashire
The society remains determined to improve its position and is grateful to Yorkshire and Chris Hallas in particular for continuing to give a helping hand through a difficult period
Alex Johnston, Secretary, Wienerberger Ltd
London and Home Counties
Currently in a difficult and inactive situation,with efforts being made to contact the members to try and resurrect
Tony Kindell Aldershaw Tiles and Neil Tobin, are currently acting as joint Secretary.
East Midlands
The Society remains inactive, and in a “dormant” state. However, determined to try and resurrect interest
Carl Cuthbert, Secretary ForTerra
Notts & Derby
6 meetings held in 2014-15 season. Highlights were talks from Dr Gerard Lynch (the Red Mason) and Dr Carl Jasper (water quality expert).
Notts and Derby are grateful for the assistance of other IoM3 local societies,being able to join with them to create joint meetings
Chair Mrs Andrea Bennett, also Deputy International Chair. Bennett Tech Ltd
David Willett, Secretary, MBH plc
West Midlands
Continuing to “stay in business”, with a smaller programme and joint meetings with other societies
Committee
The highlight was a visit to the new Veolia Waste Incineration plant at Four Ashes. State of the art technology and newly commissioned. A Great visit, but poorly supported, with only 5 attending
Chair, Richard Hall, Ibstock Brick
Paul Houghton, Treasurer, Wienerberger Ltd, Mark Gooderidge, Secretary, Wienerberger Ltd
My thanks to all Local Society Secretaries, for their assistance during the year
Mike Chapman
ICTa Honorary General Secretary