PIABC Level 2 Award in Clay Technology

Our PIABC Level 2 Award in Clay Technology course is a perfect introduction to the industry for those with little or no practical experience of heavy clay production processes.  It is suitable for new operatives and non-production workers who would benefit from Industry knowledge.
The course will give you the basic technical knowledge, from "Quarry to Lorry" of the processes involved in making Bricks, Pavers, Tiles and Pipes.

The PIABC Level 2 Award in Clay Technology course is delivered mainly on a distance learning-basis using course material that is provided at the start of the course.

The induction day is a compulsory element at the start of the course and this is when the course materials will be handed out and explained.  It is expected that your Mentor also attends the day as they will receive important information on how to do their part effectively. A very valuable part of the induction day is the chance to meet people from other companies and factories, many students remain in touch with the people they have met on the course.

Throughout the course there are assignments to be completed and submitted.  Although these do not count towards your final assessment, they are a valuable way of testing your learning and getting feedback on areas where you are doing well and areas which you may need to work on further.

The final assessment is a 30 minute multiple choice examination which is taken on the last day of the course.  

Our course leading to the PIABC Level 2 Award in Clay Technology qualification takes approximately 2 months to complete, from induction day to final exam.  To help you organise your learning and progress through the course materials in a timely manner we will provide assignment submission dates.  Although these do not count towards your final assessment, they are a very valuable way for you, your mentor and us, to keep a track on your progress and understanding.

The PIABC Level 2 Award in Clay Technology is comprised of six units as follows:

• Unit 1: Introduction to the Industry
  Main sectors
  Brief history
  Key stakeholders
• Unit 2: Raw Materials & Clay Preparation
  Site assessment and evaluation
  Extraction of materials
  Properties of clay an additives
• Unit 3: Forming & Setting
  The processes used in the manufacture of Clay Building Products including finishes
• Unit 4: Drying and Firing
  Effect of drying clay
  Methods of firing
  Control processes
• Unit 5: Packing & Distribution
  Handling Equipment and transport
• Unit 6: Quality & Management Systems
  Common Management Systems,Control Processes and Product testing

Successful completion of the course will earn you a Level 2 Award in Clay Technology qualification from PIABC, the Institute's awarding.

The course is assessed via a 30-minute multiple-choice exam paper which is taken on the last day of the course.