The CATCH approach to training has always been “real world” meaning when you train at CATCH as an apprentice or an adult learner, we will replicate industrial practices as closely and safely as we can.

Our apprentices based in Stallingborough, are with us full-time for the first year of their apprenticeship, before heading into their respective companies, supported by a CATCH assessor. This first year of training cumulates with a real shut-down of the CATCH facility, in the last week of their full-time training.

The performance of our 2023-2024 cohort has been exceptional.

Using a permit and authorisation system, the EC&I apprentices have serviced, maintained and repaired every panel, motor and instrument on the tank farm and in the reactor building!

Some genuine faults were found such as:

• Phasing motors
• Burst diaphragms on pressure sensors
• Non-working panel isolators
• Incorrect overload values (on every motor)
• Snapped wires on field bus connections
• Inaccurate calibrations on many instruments

Our process apprentices helped prepare and isolate the plant to be ready for shutdown. They assisted in deisolation and starting the plant to test and run the processes to ensure it all functioned and operated correctly.

Our mechanical apprentices stripped down and repaired pumps and then reinstalled and laser aligned the pumps using techniques they had learnt in the classroom in a real-life situation. They also stripped down flanges and renewed gaskets and seals on pipes and valves where leaks had been reported on the plant. Next, they tested what they had done to ensure all ran correctly.

In each case, the apprentices applied themselves to the work required and made real improvements to the plant and its operation. Many of our apprentices stated how much they enjoyed the shutdown week and wanted to prolong the experience.

Thank you to all our tutors and support staff who made the shutdown such a fantastic experience for our learners.