NPL approves training for BAE Systems ICS

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has approved BAE Systems Instrumentation and Calibration Services (ICS) to deliver the NPL Dimensional Measurement Training Programme to its own staff.

BAE Systems has chosen a select group of experienced employees to be trained in delivering the programme at its Barrow Calibration Centre (BCC) at Barrow-in-Furness.

This has resulted in training courses taking place on site at BAE Systems at times that suit delegates, supervisors and the management team.

Haydn Clulow, operations director, said: 'We recognise that dimensional measurement is key to efficient productivity.

'Without a good grounding in measurement it would not be possible to produce the kind of consistency and accuracy needed to develop our high-tech submarine systems,' he added.

Peter Tumelty, BAE Systems ICS business development manager, added: 'We have been working closely with NPL to identify the best methods and practices for training our apprentices, engineers, inspectors and design staff.

In terms of NPL's training relationship with BAE Systems, there are no third parties involved as the latter is its own training deliverer.

Two or three NPL training courses will take place each month at the BAE Systems BCC.

Tumelty said: 'Having a centre of excellence, as we do at Barrow-in-Furness, gives us the facility to deliver validated and certified NPL training courses.

'Every engineer, designer and inspector should have a good grasp of metrology and understand not only how something is measured, but also why,' he added.

NPL has been running its Dimensional Measurement Programme for three years, with more than 120 manufacturing companies going through the training programme.

Traditionally, NPL training is delivered through one of its six approved training deliverers.

These deliverers act as NPL-accredited third parties, promoting NPL courses and training delegates from a variety of industries.

NPL aims to provide a measurable increase in core metrology knowledge and increased productivity as a result of reduced human error.

Tom Ashby, business development manager for NPL training, said: 'If we don't instil a questioning culture within our delegates, we are not doing our jobs.

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