Tackling the
recruitment challenge
through training

Norwich-based company R&J Pipework is an ECITB-
registered company, and also an SME, which works closely
with the petrochemical industry in the East of England. The
company has clearly recognized the challenge faced by the
engineering construction industry in recruiting a new
generation of qualified pipefitters and welders.

According to Project Manager Tony Wade, "Over the last two
years, R&J has made a significant investment in training across
the board, from management to craft skills. We've benefited
from ECITB input in a number of ways. For example, by taking
advantage of the ECITB's NSDS pipefitter training programme, two
of our apprentices, Jonathan Clapp and Mathew Page - who both
put in a tremendous effort - have now achieved their NVQ level 3 in
pipefitting. The two are now enrolled on further rigging and steel
erecting units. The ECITB's NSDS shopfloor - based methods have
given R&J the benefit of knowledge management and retention
through the expertise and skills built up over a working lifetime of
our mentors and chargehands who have also put in a great deal"

l to r: Jonathon Clapp, Tony Wade &
Mathew Page