The Institute of Wood Science (IWSc), which celebrates its golden jubilee this year, is launching a campaign to promote its new Certificate Course. Unveiled late last year, this replaces the former Certificate Course with a new structure to suit present training needs with the proven method of distance learning. It suits varying levels of knowledge, with different frequency of tutorial support as the prime method of delivery.
“The time has never been better for the Institute to show off its 50 year record of training in wood science and to offer its course as a contribution to redressing Britain’s skills shortage,” said Dr Vic Kearley, the IWSc’s newly-elected president who plans to preside over a jubilee-year membership drive.
Topic-specific modules
The new Certificate Course approach is based on topic-specific modules of which a Core Module on Wood Technology is a compulsory component for those students seeking to gain the Institute’s CMIWSc qualification. Alongside the Core Module will be a series of Optional Modules. Each will be complete in itself and could be taken individually by students wishing to gain knowledge in a specific area of work but without the desire to undertake the full Certificate Course.
This facility is intended to attract students from both inside and outside the timber industry including, for example, architects, engineers and builders.
Candidates can build credits within this system and, provided that along the way the Core Module and exam were undertaken, could achieve the full Award.
The new modules are in full colour with illustrations and diagrams selected to enhance the learning experience. Each contains almost all the necessary information to complete the work, although the student is expected to buy a good textbook. Having said that, the course as a whole can be completed without the need to source a lot of extra information and many of the tasks set should relate to the practices applicable to, and information held by, the companies where candidates work.
The optional modules cover technology, resource and end uses and encompass carcassing, strength grading, joinery and appearance grading. Commercial modules that offer timber trade practice will be of special relevance to timber agents and importers, while yard and warehouse operations will be especially appropriate for timber merchants. Through time, and depending on demand, further optional modules are expected to be added to this portfolio.
To gain the CMIWSc award a student must complete the Core Module and pass a formal three-hour exam and must select five optional modules from the list of titles. These will contain assessed tasks and study projects, to be pursued under the guidance of an IWSc-approved tutor. The arrangements for face-to-face tutorials will vary according to circumstances, but it is hoped that the notion of in-company groups will be developed further, maybe with some cross-company groups studying at convenient regional centres.
Industry co-operation
Strengthening of the IWSc has been the aim of executive director Jim Lumsden, who has driven the training schedule forward. He is encouraging many industry groups to co-operate with IWSc initiatives – not least as part of The UK Wood Chain Group, a group of trade associations, unions and professional bodies. It recently won government approval as the timber industry’s official lead body, enabling it to participate in the government’s “skills agenda”.
In order to engage more fully with the timber trade, companies are being encouraged by the Institute to take a £250 annual subscription as corporate members – a nominal amount for any company budget. Many companies have also enjoyed the benefits of co-sponsoring the last three annual conferences which have appealed to the professions. The latest, in Birmingham, attracted 55% of the delegates from outside the direct membership.
Many people who may qualify for IWSc individual membership despite not having taken IWSc exams are missing out on the opportunity. Timber experts could benefit from being able to demonstrate their wood credentials through membership without returning to study. MIWSc is open to anyone in the timber trade or allied industries with 10 or more years’ experience and with at least three years in a senior position. The Institute welcomes enquiries and more information is available at www.iwsc.org.uk.
