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Road Surface Technology Diploma

The University of Derby, with the support of the RSTA, is launching a new 3-year Diploma in Road Surface Technology. The course is also supported by the Institute of Asphalt Technology.

This is the first university level academic diploma for the surface treatment industry. It will provide the tools and knowledge for addressing the challenges that need to be faced in order to deliver a high performance road network despite reduced funding, extreme weather changes, an ageing infrastructure and increasing regulations.

Issues to be examined include pavement design, assessment and treatment, network management and highways law.

Those registering before the end of June will receive a price reduction. The course duration is linked to the entrants existing qualifications. The course is also open to overseas entrants and has a start date of September 2012.

For further information contact: [email protected]

RSTA Develops Specialist Up-skilling Programmes

RSTA, working in partnership with Construction Skills National Specialist Team, has secured funding from Construction Skills for the development of a range of Up Skilling training courses for the road surface treatments sector which leads to a QCF (NVQ) Diploma in Road Building.

RSTA have already developed and successfully delivered pilot schemes for 40 operatives in high friction surfacing, surface dressing and slurry-micro surfacing and is looking to develop more courses for the range of specialist surface treatments that the Associations members provide.

Each pilot course has been compiled of 10 days off site training, followed by on site assessment for the NVQ. The training includes bespoke practical training on Installation methods, materials and equipment; health and safety and environment training; industry regulations and codes of practice. It also provides the learner with a number of the mandatory health and safety training they require to carry out their role such as manual handling, first aid at work, traffic management, banksman and fire safety.

RSTA with support from ADEPT (Association of Directors of Economy, Environment, Planning and Transport) has recently put in place 7 new industry codes of practices and a service life document for specialist treatments as guidance to address client concerns over product durability and these training courses have been developed to ensure that a competent contractor has a fully skilled workforce to meet these best practice documents.

Companies registered with CSkills are able to claim grants covering the total cost of the training and NVQ achievement.

Working with the National Specialist Team at ConstructionSkills, it is hoped that further courses can be developed to meet the needs of individual companies with the courses running from 5 to 15 days to suit the experience of the operatives involved.

For further information about all of the Up Skilling training courses contact:
Clive Mitchell, e-mail: [email protected] tel: 01206 274 052 mobile: 07557 529 410

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