Yearly Archives: 2019

New Acoustics Technician Apprenticeship Takes Shape

2nd October 2019

Moves to introduce an apprenticeship programme for the acoustics industry have taken a significant step forward.

The Occupational Standard for the new Acoustics Technician is now available and the Level 4 Apprenticeship is approved for delivery.

More details about the standard can be found at; https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/acoustics-technician/

The apprenticeship has been developed as an employer-led, industry initiative, with support from the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) and the Institute of Acoustics (IOA).

Universities supporting the programme include London South Bank University (LSBU), and the training is expected to operate under a day release programme.

Richard Grove, Acoustics Director at BDP, is a member of the working group which has developed the apprenticeship. He said: “Approval of the Standard and End-Point Assessment from the Institute for Apprenticeships marks a significant milestone in bringing new people to the acoustics industry, many of whom may not have considered a career in acoustics before.

“We expect the first cohort of apprentices to start in 2020 and our hope is that employers across the acoustics sector support it.”

As the Apprenticeship implementation evolves, ANC will be regularly updating its website to keep the industry up to date with developments.

Check http://www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/ to find out more.

Advice for school and college leavers

14th August 2019

School and college leavers are being urged to consider a career in sound by a national trade body.

Managing noise is an important, but often under-considered option, for the future well-being of society – and a new generation of students are needed with the scientific and engineering expertise to help address the issue.

ANC, the Association of Noise Consultants, has a wealth of information online for those looking at their career options this summer, with their ‘#ExploreAcoustics’ initiative.

It demonstrates the wide range of opportunities available to students interested in a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Video interviews and in-depth case studies featuring students, graduates, professionals and academics in the industry, as well as a comprehensive brochure, are all available to give a flavour of the industry at http://www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/explore-acoustics/

ANC is the professional body representing consultants in acoustics, noise and vibration in the UK – and many of their members are reporting a shortage of graduates.

In fact, in a complete trend reversal compared with other sectors, there are often more acoustics jobs available than there are graduates.

ANC chair, Dan Saunders, said: “Acoustics is a dynamic, diverse and rewarding career, but few people have even heard of it.

“We need more forward-thinking people to join the industry and make their mark.

“Roles are wide-ranging and include openings in architectural and building acoustics, environmental noise, product design, cinema sound, even sonar and ultrasound.

“It is a sector that recognises and rewards ingenuity and balances creativity with science.

“We hope #ExploreAcoustics gives an insight into the many opportunities offered.”

Sounding out ideas for an acoustics STEM challenge

17th July 2019

Acousticians are being urged to get behind a new initiative to show schoolchildren examples of the opportunities involving STEM.

The Association of Noise Consultants is asking those working in or studying acoustics to enter a short video film, exploring a particular area of their expertise, and explaining it to a general audience.

Each video will then be judged as part of a new accolade being introduced in the Noise Abatement Society’s renowned John Connell Awards programme.

The John Connell STEM award – sponsored by the ANC and ANV Measurement Systems – will be awarded to the best video clip, which engages the target audience, is creative in its approach, has good video and audio production qualities and promotes inclusivity and diversity.

Video clip entries should be targeted towards a school age audience and be between one and three minutes in length.

Props can be used – ideally of no or very little cost – providing they can be purchased from the high street or online by the general public. Instrumentation used in the work or study place can also be used in the film.

“The winner will be recognised at the John Connell Awards, taking place at the Palace of Westminster later this year, which is a great opportunity.

“The winning and shortlisted videos will also be included in an online playlist on the ANC website, to deliver an interesting dimension to STEM promotional activities and events in the future.”

“Aimed at inspiring young people about the aural environment, it’s an exciting addition to the award’s programme.”

The deadline for entries is Friday, September 13 and entries should be submitted via Mail Big File, WeTransfer, or an equivalent service to jane@shepherd-pr.com More details can be found at http://www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/sounding-out-ideas-for-stem-challenge/

The initiative builds on the ANC’s ‘#ExploreAcoustics’ campaign, which was launched last year to demonstrate the wide range of opportunities available to students interested in a career in STEM.

#ExploreAcoustics includes video interviews and in-depth case studies featuring students, graduates, professionals and academics in the industry.

The information can be found at www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/explore-acoustics

STEM Challenge Award

4th July 2019

The ANC, along with ANV Measurement Systems, are sponsoring a new award for STEM resources. This is part of the John Connell awards, organised by the Noise Abatement Society. They are in their 18th year and are commonly known as the Noise Oscars. The awards ceremony will be held on the evening of 23rd October at the Palace of Westminster in London.

This award is for video shorts promoting the ANC STEM challenge. Submissions are now being accepted and the closing date is 13th September.

Further details, including the judging criteria and how to submit your entry, can be found on the John Connell STEM Award 2019

There are other categories of award to enter, including Soundscape and also Innovation and you can find further details about them here.

Graham Parry elected as new ANC President

3rd July 2019

ANC, the Association of Noise Consultants, has elected a new President.

Graham Parry, Managing Director of ACCON UK, takes up the role from retiring President Peter Hepworth, who held the post for four years.

The honorary position involves supporting the ANC’s Chair and Board of Directors.

Graham has played an active role in the ANC for almost 30 years.

Uniquely, he is the first ANC President to also be a Vice President of the Institute of Acoustics.

Graham said: “I was extremely flattered to be asked to become President, not least because my original involvement with the ANC went back to the early 1990s and I have seen it grow, not just in respect of the number of member organisations, but also the respect that the ANC holds with a wider audience.

“Many of its initiatives and guidance documents are implemented across the whole of the acoustics profession, resulting in a raising of the standard of service to clients which includes private companies, local and national government, industry, architects, planners and members of the public.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing the three previous Presidents of the ANC who served over the last twelve years, and they will be a very hard act to follow.”