Composites UK (www.compositesuk.co.uk) officially launched its new sustainability sub-group on 3 October, with an event held at the premises of Scott Bader Co Ltd.

The trade body also confirmed that the new Composites Technician apprenticeship programme (announced 25 September) has received Government approval.

The aim of the sustainability sub-group is to overcome challenges in fibre-reinforced polymer composite (FRP) recycling, improve disposal methods and supply chains, incorporate more bio-based FRPs into components at the specification stage, include consideration of environmental impact at the design stage, and understand the impact of the products produced throughout their life.

Meanwhile, the new Composites Technician apprenticeship is set to make a significant contribution to addressing the skills shortages in composites-using industries.

Dean Jones of Rolls-Royce, who is chairman of the Industrial Steering Group, said: “The approval by Government of this apprenticeship is a significant milestone; we can now train apprentices knowing that the content of the qualification meets the needs of all the industrial sectors manufacturing composites parts.”

There are eight mandatory units within the apprenticeship programme — including materials, processes, design and defect detection — to enable cross-industry movement of people in the future. In addition, there are 10 optional units designed to allow trainees to focus on specific areas and gain a deeper understanding of the specific operations their company requires.

For more information about which colleges are offering the apprenticeship in 2017/18, contact Brian Thornton at the National Composites Centre () or visit the Web site (www.gov.uk/government
publications/apprenticeship-standard-composites-technician).