The theme for Apprenticeships Week 2021 is ‘Build the Future’ and that’s only right and proper, because building the future of industry is exactly what apprenticeships do. At our new NCPM facility, the apprentices following our ‘Bulk Liquid Terminal Technician Specialism’ apprenticeship will benefit from the hands-on experience of using the state-of-the-art facilities in the UK’s first fully-operational tank farm and process plant training facility – further enhancing the real world immersive training experience we offer.
The Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan, acknowledged how apprenticeships have helped business adapt and build during a difficult year. She said:
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn while you earn, opening up new and exciting career paths that can transform lives. It’s been a tough year for everyone, but we want the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2021 to be a springboard to look ahead to how apprenticeships can futureproof workforces and boost careers.”
The TSA and Apprenticeships
As the recent TSA press release, addressed directly to those considering enrolling on an apprenticeship, put it: “ … the bulk liquid storage industry needs you. With unprecedented opportunities ahead, now is the time to join a growing and exciting sector and play a part in shaping the future.” For a free copy of the TSA’s guide on Apprenticeships in the sector, click here. And, for a free copy of their Careers Guide, click here. Here at Reynolds Training Services, we agree whole-heartedly with the Minister and with the TSA. We know that well-trained apprentices are making a fundamental difference to Britain’s industries.
Simply put, apprenticeships are our future!
Reynolds’ Apprenticeships in the Pipeline
Regarding the two cohorts already working their way successfully through our ‘Bulk Liquid Terminal Technician Specialism’ apprenticeship – Cohort 1 is progressing well! They are now at the stage where we’re starting to assess their competence from an onsite basis, and are pushing on towards their endpoint assessment in September 2021.
The learners of Cohort 2 have completed their understanding of the industry and are now focussing on understanding tank farms, underpinning this with site-based learning as appropriate.
We’re planning to get both cohorts back onsite at the NCPM in April or May, pandemic permitting, of course.
We’re proud to confirm that these learners haven’t let the pandemic stop them learning and progressing and becoming more than useful members of their teams at their respective sites.
Apprenticeships are our future
Such apprentices are very much the future of our industry! Our programmes are all about building learners’ knowledge, skills and experience in a structured environment, utilising the process plant replicated environment and then supporting that with site-based activities and assessment.
When onsite, they get to work alongside more experienced personnel, this helps them absorb additional skills and knowledge which they can take back to their employers.
For us at Reynolds, it’s all about helping our learners to build a career. It’s not just about training them for the job they have right now, but rather to equip them with the competencies they need for lifelong learning and improving.
Apprenticeships lead to lifelong learning
We always tell our learners: “Be the change. Learn to learn continuously.”
Because, our apprenticeship will lay the groundwork for our learners to go on and apply for Engineering Technician status, through the support and recognition of the professional institution, iCheme.
With iCheme, our apprenticeship graduates can then progress further up the professional pipeline, to become Chartered Engineers, scientists and beyond.
This long-term thinking is key to what we do, at Reynolds. We believe it’s all about building long term career pathways. With each new cohort of apprentices, we are given a chance to take our industry forward and prepare our learners to embrace the emergent technologies which will present new solutions and new challenges as we go forward a build a post-carbon future.
Are Apprenticeships your future?
If you’re interested in the opportunities our ‘Bulk Liquid Terminal Technician Specialism’ apprenticeship could offer you and your career, learn more about it here, or get in touch with us – our contact details are below.
PRESS RELEASE
26 January 2021
The Tank Storage Association (TSA) launches new careers guides and career profiles to inspire the next generation of talent.
Today, the Tank Storage Association has launched two new careers guides and career profiles which together explain what an apprenticeship involves and detail future career options and prospects in the bulk liquid storage industry.
Our industry offers rewarding and diverse career opportunities in business, operations, engineering, safety, marketing, science, IT, supply and trading, plus many other disciplines. It is also important for environmental science, chemical and engineering graduates, related vocational skills as well as training and apprenticeships. Whatever skills you have, chances are the bulk liquid storage industry needs them.
In launching the two guides, Peter Davidson, Executive Director of the Tank Storage Association, said: “In today’s fast-evolving landscape, career prospects in the tank storage sector are expanding and new and exciting opportunities are opening up for the next generation of talent. Whether you are thinking about an apprenticeship, have a degree or are looking for the next step in your career, the bulk liquid storage industry needs you. With unprecedented opportunities ahead, now is the time to join a growing and exciting sector and play a part in shaping the future.”
For a copy of our guide on Apprenticeships in the sector, click here.
The Tank Storage Association (TSA) represents the interests of over 60 member companies engaged in the storage of bulk liquids and the provision of products and services to the sector. Collectively, its members operate 293 terminals and distribution hubs in the UK and have over 10 million cubic metres of storage capacity in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI). TSA’s members provide and support an essential interface between sea, road, rail and pipeline logistics for many different substances including transport and heating fuels, chemicals, animal feed and foodstuffs.
It can happen to anyone, but it does not have to!
At Reynolds Training, we have always considered ourselves computer savvy and fully aware of the threat posed by online scammers. Our systems are safeguarded with the latest virus software and, like so many, we cast a manual net of caution over any suspicious looking emails which wash up in our inboxes.
Yet, late last year, we let our guard down. So it was in that moment, that we fell victim to online scammers.
This cautionary tale started back in November 2020 when we were duped by what was a simple ‘invoice interception’ fraud. Whilst I won’t go into detail, the interception resulted in us paying circa £25,000 to a false account. It looked legitimate enough. And, why wouldn’t it? The fraudulent account in question, after all, had seamlessly disguised itself as one of our service providers!
It is difficult to find words to adequately describe the devastating effects it has on you, let alone those around you. Not just as a business, but as a person. From the time it takes to report, document and manage, to the sleepless nights, self-doubt and cross checking of every single aspect of what you do, it invades all corners of your life and mind. Against the backdrop of all this, you still have the account to settle and a business to run with a £25k deficit.
The past three months have been punctuated by countless discussions with the bank. We logged the online scam with Action Fraud and, thereafter, counted the days to what we always hoped would be a successful resolution – knowing full well this was never guaranteed
We were one of the lucky ones. Our bank, after investigation, stood by their promise and reimbursed the loss. So, we live to tell the tale and, needless to say, are sleeping better than we have for quite some time.
On the downside, I’m slightly greyer. On the upside, I’m more informed and wiser.
Indeed, upon reflection, the fraud itself did not need to happen. The warning signs were there. Truth be told though, we missed them. We failed to question the key information which was presented to us. We did not verify that with the right people as we had done in the past. In essence, we had become complacent!
Work pressures are nothing new but, throw in the complications of working from home, and those pressures only get elevated.
Life is busy. We all know it is. So do the scammers. They prey on this and, when you let your guard down – even if momentarily – they are ready to pounce.
Actually, ‘scammers’ is too polite a word for them. They are thieves!
The email exchange looked and felt genuine. They had a genuine email address. All of this gave the fraud a sense of authenticity.
Hindsight, as they say is 20/20. As with health and safety though, we learn from the past to secure a better tomorrow. Knowing what we now know, there where tell-tale signs. The tone used. The speed of replies. The checking for payment on the day. We missed challenging these… we let our guard down and they struck.
My message to you is therefore this: don’t live in a world of ‘if only’. That is what we have done this past 12 weeks. Mitigate this outcome by verifying clients, customers and service providers. Exchange details directly with the person who is requesting them – in person, by voice!
I view these as building robust layers of protection. Ensure you have them in place, and you use them. Always!
It really can happen to anyone, but it does not have to.
Stay well, stay safe… stay secure!
John Reynolds
It is that time of the year again where we’d like to take a moment to thank all of our customers, partners, suppliers and friends. Merry Christmas to one and all, and a Happy New Year.
Your continued support means everything to us. You are truly an inspiration. And we want you to know that we are here to repay your loyalty by helping you on your safety journey into 2021 and beyond.
Of course, there’s no denying the past year has been challenging for all. From individuals, families, workers and business owners to those on the front line, whoever you are, one thing’s for sure: we are all in this together.
Together, we can – and we will – do this.
Like so many businesses, Reynolds Training Services has pivoted to ensure we can continue delivering the essential service of health and safety to individuals and organisations, even in these trying times.
And, if the current climate has taught us one thing: it’s that the safety of the people has never been more important.
As such, Reynolds Training has remained open for business, cultivating a COVID-secure environment throughout the year which adheres and evolves in line with government guidance.
Health and safety isn’t just for Christmas…
The standards we, as industry set, follow us all year round. The same can be said about animals. That’s why, instead of sending cards to you all, we’ve decided to support two animal charities close to our hearts.
Mr and Mrs Claus – or Karon and John Reynolds, as they are known outside the festive season – will each make donations on behalf of our company.
In fact, John and Karon even took it upon themselves to welcome a new member of the family into their fold: Charlie the Dog.
A huge thanks to Pawasawhile for developing this lead 🙂
Christmas is all about giving, so take a moment to check both out and spread the word.
Pawsawhile Dog Rescue
After volunteering for five years at an animal rescue charity, Carl & Anita Hooper decided to start their own dog rescue/rehoming organisation near Malaga, Andalucia Spain.
Run entirely by volunteers, their shelter is completely reliant on donations and fundraising by friends and family. They care for and help as many unwanted dogs as possible.
If you care about the rehoming of good dogs and would like to donate or talk to them about giving a good dog a forever home, they’d love to hear from you.
Second Chance Cat Rescue
Second Chance Cat Rescue is made up entirely of volunteers based in and around North and North East Lincolnshire, with many years’ experience in the rescue, protection, and homing of both cats and kittens.
We believe all cats and kittens that have lost their homes deserve a ‘Second Chance’ to live a normal loving life.
Merry Christmas
With 2020 drawing to a close and, as Santa gears up in his fur-trimmed PPE, we too are preparing for another safe year ahead.
The whole Reynolds Training Services family thanks you for your support, input and continued trust. We can’t wait to work with you again in 2021. Until then, Merry Christmas to all and to all a safe night.
Dear Reynolds Training customers,
our nation’s second lockdown is underway, and I wanted to let all of you know that Reynolds Training remains open for business adhering to government guidelines. We are here to provide learners, delegates, customers and visitors with the essential service of safety.
And we’re here to do that as safely as possible.
As such, I wanted to reassure you that we are committed to the safety of all those who visit our premises during these times.
We are ready to welcome you to our COVID secure site and learning environment which strictly adheres to government guidelines.
As I always like to say, it’s safety in numbers. And the current situation in which we all find ourselves is a beacon of that. Together, we can and we will do this.
Reynolds Training can’t wait to see you all.
– Regards, John Reynolds, Managing Director.
NEBOSH has released a new series of video tutorials for their Open Book Examinations (OBEs). These ‘How To’ videos are available to help learners use the NEBOSH Online Examination Platform.
Here at Reynolds Training, we offer the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, which has been fully-updated for 2020. This new syllabus reflects current health and safety practices and regulatory requirements.
The next Reynolds Training National General Certificate course is enrolling now, and begins on Monday the 16th of November. For more information on this essential qualification for every workplace and everyone intending to pursue a career in health and safety
NEBOSH also offers a wide range of resources to help you prepare for your OBEs, which you can find on their Resources page.
Their top tips for exam prep, to help ensure you have the greatest chance of success include:
Making sure you are prepared beforehand by studying and revising – make sure you thoroughly understand the topic so that you can apply your knowledge to the unfamiliar scenario presented in the exam.
When you revise do so in an environment that:
Is comfortable with a desk and chair
Has got room for your notes, books and other resources
Is free from distractions
Is well lit
Has a good internet connection
Is not too hot or too cold
And make sure you familiarise yourself with the online examination platform in advance – you don’t want to have to figure out what you need to do and where you need to do it on the day of the exam.
The Process Safety Forum (PSF) has published its latest newsletter, featuring key safety messages from around the world as well as the latest information on the ever-evolving challenge of functioning safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This edition deals with:
The impact of a second wave of COVID-19 on operations.
The importance of avoiding complacency while regulators are attempting to return to regular inspections.
The repercussions of and response to the near-miss of the Balham Rail Incident, which highlights the dangers of good safety-critical communication.
The Environment Agency’s new five-year strategy.
Check out the latest newsletter over at the PSF’s website and, if you haven’t subscribed, please do so to stay up-to-date on trending information in our sector.
PSF Knowledge Exchange
The Process Safety Forum seeks to share knowledge on key topics through its Knowledge Exchange publications, which are available here. This is also the place to stay up to date with guidance and information about COVID-19.
More About the Forum
The Process Safety Forum (PSF) was set up to provide a platform whereby initiatives, best practice, lessons from incidents and process safety strategy can be distilled and shared across sectors; to influence our stakeholders (including the Regulator); and to drive the process safety management performance agenda.
The Health and Safety Executive has issued an important Safety Alert which is for the attention of anyone in the chemical processing and production sector who is involved in specifying and selecting devices for measuring concentrations of flammable and toxic gases.
In a recent incident, a gas detector failed to detect the presence of a flammable vapour. Hot work proceeded in the belief that there was no flammable vapour present. The subsequent explosion resulted in a fatal injury.
The investigation found that a significant contributor to the failure to detect the flammable vapour was it being adsorbed on the inner surface of the sample tube. This meant that no flammable vapour reached the detector before the test was completed and a false conclusion that the work area was free of flammable vapour.
Sampling tubes are sometimes used to extend the reach of the detection device and/or to allow detection at an increased distance from the user.
This incident has highlighted the importance of selecting the correct systems for gas detection and verifying the effectiveness of the detection system.
This safety alert is to highlight the risk of adsorption if an unsuitable sample tube is used.
See the full HSE Safety Alert for a detailed report on the incident, links to the relevant legislation and to the relevant reference documents.
A drop of rain didn’t deter Councillor Philip Jackson (Leader of N.E. Lincs Council) and Councillor John Fenty (Deputy Leader of N.E. Lincs Council) from visiting CATCH and Reynolds Training Services to check out the brilliant new facilities.
We were proud to welcome the councillors to the new, improved CATCH during this, the week of its commissioning.
This expansion has been long in the planning and we, at Reynolds Training, felt that this was important enough to invest £230,000 and co-manage the installation of the UK’s first fully-modernised Tank Farm training facility, incorporating the latest technology from Honeywell. With a £70,000 investment from CATCH, this brings the current total to £300,000.
Speaking at the site, Reynolds Training managing director, John Reynolds, said the investment from his company and CATCH presented an “exciting opportunity” in the drive to “further enhance and develop skills” within the process sector.
“This important upgrade brings our training up to a new level within the sector, by providing a contemporary real world level of operational complexity and experience in a realistic environment for training and practice in core control room and process operations,” he added. “And, all of this can be achieved in an environment which emulates real-world hazards in a controlled way so that trainees and apprentices can learn safely.”
From left to right – Councillor John Fenty, John Reynolds MD Reynolds Training Services Ltd, Councillor Philip Jackson, David Talbot CEO CATCH & James McIntosh head of CATCH Skills
State of the art equipment
With his health and safety background, Councillor Jackson appreciated the importance of the state-of-the-art equipment Reynolds has provided and which CATCH now offers.
As Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Skills, Councillor Fenty also appreciated how the new facilities align directly with the safety training needs of industries throughout the Humber region and beyond, both in the UK and internationally.
The new, expanded facilities at CATCH are an important leap forward in the training provision within the region. Indeed, this makes us a leader in this field, internationally.
And we’re not done yet, as Reynolds Training has committed to keep investing in CATCH and to keep expanding the site’s capabilities.
At Reynolds Training Services, we’re happy to congratulate Teamwork Security for securing accreditation from the Department for Transport (DfT) to run their Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) training online using the medium of Microsoft Teams®. This now allows Teamwork Security to continue to provide a full ISPS offering during the COVID 19 crisis.
Chris Amos, rirector of Teamwork Security, said: “I’m delighted that the DfT has now approved our “on-line” PFSO course and that the business is still able to offer its full range of ISPS support services to its customers during these difficult times.”
John Reynolds, managing director of Reynolds Training, welcomed the news, saying: “Security is a crucial part of the operation of any High Hazard facility and Teamwork Security are to be congratulated for their agile solution to training in the COVID 19 crisis.”
Teamwork Security offers a full range of ISPS and security consultancy services to the shore based maritime community, thereby enabling them to keep abreast of security risks and to implement measures to counteract the ever-increasing threat. Teamwork Security also works closely with the Maritime Security Resilience Division of the Department for Transport thereby ensuring that Teamwork’s clients are made aware of and adhere to the latest legislative changes and compliance requirements.
The standards we, as industry set, follow us all year round. The same can be said about animals. That’s why, instead of sending cards to you all, we’ve decided to support two animal charities close to our hearts.
After volunteering for five years at an animal rescue charity, Carl & Anita Hooper decided to start their own dog rescue/rehoming organisation near Malaga, Andalucia Spain.
Second Chance Cat Rescue is made up entirely of volunteers based in and around North and North East Lincolnshire, with many years’ experience in the rescue, protection, and homing of both cats and kittens.
