why an advanced apprenticeship with waterside training

THE CONSTRUCTION ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP SPONSORED
BY PILKINGTON REFRACTORY SERVICES
An outstanding career opportunity is offered by Waterside Training on behalf of Pilkington Refractory
Services based in St Helens. The department is responsible for the construction and maintenance of
Pilkington’s Glass melting furnaces worldwide. Pilkington require high calibre people to follow a 4-Year
Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction and potentially develop to become a key member of the team.
Refractory Bricklayers work with specialist heat resistant materials and clays. They build and maintain
industrial furnaces, boilers and kilns. Although the skills they possess are equally applicable to other
construction industries, the work in the St Helens area is predominantly for the Glass Industry. Refractory
Bricklayers usually work in teams. Work can be outdoors as well as indoors and you may have to work at
heights, or in tunnels and shafts and in hot conditions. When you are fully trained it is likely you will be
required to experience overseas work.
Refractory Bricklayers may perform the following tasks: -
• Work from plans and specifications
• Spread layers of clay / mortar to serve as a base and binder for
refractory blocks / bricks in rows, designs or shapes, spreading
clays / mortar between joints
• Place bricks, remove excess clay / mortar from refractory blocks /
bricks and check vertical and horizontal alignment
• Use various tools to shape refractory material / bricks to fit
spaces
• Construct arches and other shapes to meet plans and
specifications
• Repair and maintain refractory related structures
• Operate cutting, grinding and drilling machines
• Erect scaffolding (subject to health and safety regulations)
The apprentice will train to become qualified in Refractory Brickwork and will study to achieve a Nationally
Recognised Certificate in Construction as an associated educational qualification. Pilkington (as the
Sponsoring Company) will also require the individual to develop team-working and communication skills
consistent with working as a member of a highly motivated, highly skilled team.
The Refractory Brickwork training programme is competency based leading firstly to an NVQ 2 and
subsequently to an NVQ 3. You will be required to attend College as necessary where you will gain a
sound understanding of construction and glass manufacturing principles as well as developing your own
commitment to continuous personal development.
The personal qualities expected of a Construction Apprentice include being able to work with your hands,
being able to follow plans, being physically fit and healthy and be able to work at heights.
Foundation Training
• NVQ 2 Refractory Brickwork
• National Certificate
• Key Skills
• Personal Development
• Product Knowledge
• Glass Technology
• Communication / Information Technology Skills
Post Foundation
• NVQ 3 Trowel Occupations
• Furnace Construction and Design Principles
• Study towards a National Certificate and HNC
• Key Skills
• Personal Development
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