PIABC Level 2 Award in Clay Technology

The Clay Technology course has been developed by the International Clay Technology Association (ICTa) and is endorsed by The Ceramics Society and The Institute of Materials Minerals & Mining. The course has recently been updated and will now be administered by the IOM3 Training Academy from our Grantham Centre.

Who is the course aimed at?

The PIABC Level 2 Award in Clay Technology is aimed at employees who require a basic understanding of the Heavy Clay Production Process.  For example, anybody new to the industry, Production Operators or Non-Production department heads.

The course will give you the basic technical knowledge, from "Quarry to Lorry" of the processes involved in making Bricks, Pavers, Tiles and Pipes.

It leads on to the Level 3 course which is more technical.  The courses have been accredited by IOM3 on behalf of the Engineering Council. Successful Level 3 students are able to become Technician grade members of IOM3 and apply for Eng Tech grade registration with the Engineering Council.

Course Structure

The Level 2 course is delivered mainly on a distance learning basis using course material. This is complimented by a taught induction day and site tour .

Induction Day must be attended by all students as part of the course as workbooks and course material will be given out at this point.  It is expected that your Mentor also attends the day as they will receive important information on how to do their part effectively. 

Assignments these will be assigned to you throughout the course to complete to test your learning

Final Exam this will be a multiple choice exam and taken in the morning, a site tour will take place and the results and attendance Certificates will be given out.

As a condition of entry students must be allocated an in work mentor, this role provides you with support and will be their first point of contact.

The qualification Level 2 Award in Clay Technology is accredited by PIABC, which is the leading awarding body for the clay building products sector.

Study Units

• Unit 1: Introduction to the Industry

Main sectors; Brief history; Key stake holders

• 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

These activities are approved for Professional Development by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

Clay Technology training is delivered by IOM Communications Ltd and endorsed by The International Clay Technology Association, a Division of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.