Following a year of significant growth in the sector, the partnership tackles the technical skills gap in the asbestos sector, by reducing time to competence from 15 months to just 12.
The UK asbestos surveying industry is currently facing a demographic crisis, with the average age pushing into the mid-to-late 40s. With many experts within 10 years of retirement, a significant "recruitment void" is emerging, threatening to take decades of specialised knowledge and expertise out of the industry.
The new programmes move away from "one-size-fits-all" training to offer two distinct, specialised routes. Apprentices can choose between training as site-based analysts and surveyors. This programme is aligned to the Royal Society for Public Health's Level 3 Award in Asbestos Air Monitoring and Clearance Procedures.
Alternatively, they can follow a path into laboratory-based bulk analysis. This is aligned to the RSPH Level 3 Awards in Asbestos Bulk Analysis.
Charlotte Blant, CEO and founder at Tiro, said: 鈥淭he asbestos sector does not need more training for training鈥檚 sake; it needs sharper routes into talent.
鈥淏y working directly with ATaC and listening to employer feedback, we provide a model that reflects the reality of the job. It is faster, more focused, and ensures apprentices are workplace-ready much earlier in their journey.鈥�
The revised programmes introduce several key enhancements designed to benefit both employers and learners. By moving to a 12-month model, the apprenticeship improves workforce planning and delivers a faster return on investment for businesses. Apprentices now learn within dedicated, asbestos-only cohorts, ensuring delivery remains highly relevant to the specific technical demands of the sector.
Robert Southall, manager of ATaC, said:鈥�Asbestos work demands technical accuracy, professional discipline and a genuine commitment to safety. These apprenticeships are designed to develop all three.
鈥淏y aligning the programmes with RSPH Level 3 qualifications and linking completion to AMI membership and the CSCS-badged AMI Skills Card, we are giving the next generation of analysts and surveyors a proper professional foundation. That benefits employers, clients and ultimately the people who rely on our industry to keep them safe.鈥�
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