The programme, which has been designed to address the skills gaps and changing skills needs of the coatings industry, will offer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Production of Coatings and the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Production and Laboratory Operations in Coatings.

The Apprenticeships consist of functional skills (Maths and English), personal learning and thinking skills, employment rights and responsibilities and a technical certificate/diploma for knowledge. The programme is delivered by Hull College with the technical knowledge being delivered by the BCF.

Students, who will be split into three age bands; 16-18, 19-24 and 25 and over will be appointed a mentor within their own company as well as a dedicated BCF tutor for the technical certificate element.

Derek Rodd, training consultant at the BCF, said: "Each module can be studied independently, allowing for bite-size learning sessions of between 30 minutes and two hours."

The competence and knowledge qualifications are certified by the GQA Qualifications awarding body and the Apprenticeship framework certificate is issued by Proskills.