How to develop your career in Thin Film Intumescent Coating application
Thin intumescent coatings are applied to structural steel either on or off site to prevent structural failure in the event of fire but it is essential that such fire protection coatings are applied correctly.
In 2003, The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) reported on the passive fire protection of some large public buildings. The report found that there were widespread deficiencies of fire protection caused by poor design, the use of unskilled labour, and corner-cutting. The report concluded that there might be a catastrophic fire associated with these issues if not addressed. Since incidents, such as the Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017, intumescent coatings are becoming a more prevalent feature in many industries.
Therefore the demand for skilled and qualified professionals to work in the industry is at an all-time high. In our blog, we discuss the various training and qualification options for professionals to take to gain the professional skills and recognition that will set them out from their competition, ensuring they are first choice when applying for new contracts.
Start your career journey today with HC Technical, where you can access our Thin Intumescent Training courses. We offer industrial coating applicators a comprehensive package of training modules that ensure professionalism, promote good working practice and a thorough insight into methods of thin film intumescent coating and application.
What career progression options are available?
In the diagram below, we illustrate the range of learning and development options that you can pursue to really stand out from the rest and develop your professional skills in the industry.
We have colour coded the diagram to make your choices very clear.
Type of training/ accreditation |
Provider |
|---|---|
| Blue options |
Train The Painter applicators courses for thin film intumescent coatings. HC Technical |
| Orange options |
Further specialist coating training Corrodere |
| Yellow options |
Professional Membership Chartered Quality Institute Institute of Corrosion |
1. Kick off your career with Train The Painter Thin Film Intumescent application courses
a. Thin Film Intumescent Applicators course
HC Technical is an approved provider of the fully accredited (CSCS, BRE, ASFP) Train The Painter applicators course for thin film intumescent coatings.
This training program has been developed with input from industry experts and associated bodies to create the first and only accredited Thin Film Intumescent applicators course in the UK. All aspects of surface preparation and application of the products will be taught using both practical and theoretical methods. Find out more here
b. TTP Coating Supervisor course
HC Technical is an approved provider of the TTP Coating Supervisor course. The course has been developed to assist coating supervisors gain a thorough understanding of their roles and responsibilities, improve awareness on health & safety and environmental legislation. They will also gain an insight into coating technology, coating specifications, inspection techniques and equipment and paint related problems
The Coating Supervisor’s Course has been developed to meet the requirements of the surface preparation and coating application industry which has undergone considerable changes over the years, specifically related to increased levels of Health & Safety, New Environmental Legislation and minimum requirements for Quality control.
The role and responsibilities of the Coating Supervisor has also increased which has necessitated the need for a structured and recognised training programme. Find out more here
2. Specialise in specific coating and fireproofing applications
Once you have completed your training with HC technical, you can progress to further specialist training with The Corrodere Academy
Opportunities include the following:
a. SSPC Fireproofing Inspector Course (Levels 1 and 2)
Over the years an increasing awareness of fireproofing requirements by code and building officials and specifiers has brought to light a definitive need for proper inspection of applied materials.
Due to demands led by the passive fire protection industry Corrodere has collaborated with the globally recognised society for protective coatings – SSPC and developed an online fireproofing inspection course to meet these demands around the world.
This course requires all candidates hold a recognised coating inspection certificate and have a strong understanding of surface preparation, anti-corrosion coatings and the use of a variety of inspection gauges and tools.
The course can also benefit personnel who have an interest in passive fire protection such as plant managers, asset owners, coating and fire protection suppliers etc. A certificate of completion will be issued if no formal coating inspection qualifications can be demonstrated. Find out more here.
b. Further specialist coating training
Corrodere also offers a range of specialist coating training courses which will help you advance your career in specific directions, the courses are listed below. Please click on each course to take you to further information about them on the Corrodere website:
· Coatings for Corrosion Control
This unique and challenging Diploma has been written and created by some of the coating industries most respected and knowledgeable professionals. Students will need a thorough understanding and background in the coatings and corrosion control industry before embarking on this challenging study programme.
· Coating Surveys
Coating surveys should be conducted by experienced personnel who can make sound judgment on the condition of an existing coating and develop information that can be used to make effective decisions on the management of the coatings. course is endorsed by ICorr and accredited by Lloyd’s Register and the Royal Society of Chemistry
· Corrosion Management
This online Corrosion Management Training Course is designed to provide a detailed understanding of corrosion as a key threat to industry. This is accomplished by establishing the fundamentals of corrosion in the first module and then building on this knowledge throughout the online interactive course.
3. Gain accreditation with a Professional Body
Professional accreditation demonstrates your commitment to superior professionalism, upholding industry standards, and continued learning. These merits can help boost your professional credibility and prestige within your own network, with your current clients, and when pursuing new career opportunities.
a. Institute of Corrosion
The Institute of Corrosion offers its members a route to Chartered Status (e.g. CEng, CSci) through its links with the Engineering Council and the Science Council. Members are also supported in their formal CPD requirements by their CPD returns process.
Wherever you are in your career, being a member of the Institute of Corrosion can help you develop the latest skills and gain industry relevant qualifications. You will be part of the UK’s biggest community of corrosion professionals, with an increasing global presence. Find out more here.
b. Chartered Quality Institute
Joining the CQI makes you part of a unique network of thousands of professionals working in quality management. Becoming a member of the CQI gives you opportunities for learning, development and networking, as well as unrivalled recognition – showing your colleagues and employers that you're serious about your profession and committed to developing your expertise. Find out more here.
Our final comments
Our blog shows that there is a varied and wide range of training and qualification options for anyone thinking of building their career in thin film intumescent/ fireproofing coating application, blasting and spraying. You can start with Train the Painter and then work your way through to gain membership of a professional industry body.
HC Technical can help you throughout your career progression, so get in touch today and take your career and your earning potential to the next level.