Coatings federation forms ambassador network to engage with schools and universities

The British Coatings Federation has partnered with the Surface Coatings Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry to create a national network of ambassadors for the coatings industry, delivered by Cogent Skills.

The aim is to equip ‘coatings ambassadors’ with the skills and materials to run sessions at schools and universities, to explain the contribution the industry makes to the economy and society, as well as the varied roles and opportunities within it. “Whilst there is currently a shortage of skilled staff and an ageing workforce, we hope that the coatings ambassador programme will help make a real difference. We are hopeful that we can encourage the next generation to see the world of opportunities in our industry,” said a statement. July saw the first virtual coatings ambassador training, with a diverse group of attendees from AkzoNobel, BASF, Dacrylate, Imerys, Manchester University and Venator, with delegates joining from as far away as Brazil and the USA.