A lack of recognised certification and robust training for valve engineers, users, resellers and purchasers has been holding the industry back for too long, according to the Chesterfield-based founder of a new, worldwide e-learning platform.
Valves are critical for most industrial processes, from manufacturing to food production and power generation to pharmaceuticals.
“While many in the valve and process industry have extensive expertise, customers have no way to assess whether someone selling them a valve or actuator, or installing it for them, knows what they’re doing,” says Steve Pearson of Valve Academy, adding, “do they really have the knowledge, skills and experience to specify or install a valve in a multi-million pound food or manufacturing plant, or a nuclear power station?”
Employers too suffer from the lack of a uniform and widely-understood qualification to demonstrate a potential new recruit has received robust training and understands how valves work, according to Pearson.
But Pearson, who runs Chesterfield-based flow control product supplier, Valve & Process Solutions (VPS), has tackled the “elephant in the industry” by building a new e-learning platform, Valve Academy.
Designed for anyone in the valve industry or working with valves who wants a globally-recognised qualification to endorse their skills, Valve Academy will give users a pathway to gain recognition and accreditation for their skills and experience.
Launched in beta-format this month with a free taster module now online, Valve Academy courses will cover all aspects of valves, actuation and controls, from introductory to advanced levels.
And demand for its taster module has already exceeded the expectations of founder and managing director Steve Pearson, who said:
“Our industry has been unregulated for far too long. You wouldn’t board a plane with an unqualified pilot, so it’s shocking that someone in the process industry, who may have limited knowledge and experience, could be responsible for fitting a valve in a nuclear power station. Or a sales person with no valve qualifications could be responsible for specifying a valve and actuator package for a multi-million-pound chemical plant.
“The lack of any industry-recognised, accredited training frustrated me so much I decided to create it myself. I’m thrilled so many people working with valves, actuators and controls have enrolled in Valve Academy’s taster module, and I’m looking forward to offering full access to what will be a world-class e-learning platform offering robust, industry-specific and globally recognised educational qualifications.”
