Adapting to change in polymer training

The British Polymer Training Association is the UK′s leading industry training body for the plastics and rubber sectors. Once supported by levies from companies in the polymer industry, it now operates as an independent company, selling its services in the open market. Fundamental changes in culture and approach have had to be made,and BPTA′s well‐equipped Technical Centre at Telford is central to its successful development. From being a training centre concentrating on practical, hands‐on technical courses, it is now taking on a new role,responding directly to the demands of industry, including operating as a test bed for new techniques and machinery. Process‐specific consultants spend part of their time training at the centre and the rest in‐company,problem solving and advising on every aspect of competitiveness and profitability.