Leading players in the woodworking industry are backing a training and assessment initiative developed by specialist training provider for the woodworking sector, Didac.
The Bristol-based company said the objective of the scheme, Woodwise, is to reduce the number of accidents occurring on woodworking machines by improving the operators’ competence.
The work-based certification scheme is accredited by City & Guilds and operators, who can become certified on a selection of machines if they wish, can build up Woodwise credits which can count towards further qualifications such as the NVQ Level 2 in machine woodworking.
Woodwise co-ordinator Jon Gibson said the scheme was destined to become a key benchmark for the woodworking industry by which a machine operator’s competence could be assessed.
He added: “This will help employers comply with health and safety legislation and reduce the number of accidents on woodworking machines.”
Woodwise is currently assessing applications from woodworking machinery suppliers, trainers, furniture manufacturers and joinery companies which will become Woodwise Assessment Centres and Affiliates with the competence to deliver the training and assessment modules.
