Tiro, a leading provider of technical apprenticeships, has launched two revised asbestos programmes in partnership with the Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association (ATaC).
Following a year of significant growth in the sector, the partnership tackles the technical skills gap in the asbestos sector, by reducing time to competence from 15 months to just 12.
The UK asbestos surveying industry is currently facing a demographic crisis, with the average age pushing into the mid-to-late 40s. With many experts within 10 years of retirement, a significant "recruitment void" is emerging, threatening to take decades of specialised knowledge and expertise out of the industry.
The new programmes move away from "one-size-fits-all" training to offer two distinct, specialised routes:
- Site-Based Analysts and Surveyors: Aligned to the RSPH Level 3 Award in Asbestos Air Monitoring and Clearance Procedures.
- Laboratory-Based Bulk Analysts: Aligned to the RSPH Level 3 Awards in Asbestos Bulk Analysis.
Charlotte Blant, CEO and founder at Tiro, said: “The asbestos sector does not need more training for training’s sake; it needs sharper routes into talent.
“By working directly with ATaC and listening to employer feedback, we provide a model that reflects the reality of the job. It is faster, more focused, and ensures apprentices are workplace-ready much earlier in their journey.”
The revised programmes introduce several key enhancements designed to benefit both employers and learners. By moving to a 12-month model, the apprenticeship improves workforce planning and delivers a faster return on investment for businesses. Apprentices now learn within dedicated, asbestos-only cohorts, ensuring delivery remains highly relevant to the specific technical demands of the sector.
The apprenticeship incorporates RSPH Level 3 qualifications, which are completed within the first 10–12 weeks to ensure full compliance with HSG248 and UKAS (LAB30) standards. Upon completion, apprentices receive professional recognition through one year of free membership to the Asbestos Management Institute (AMI) and eligibility for the CSCS-badged AMI Skills Card.
The curriculum complements internal employer training rather than duplicating it, focusing on high-level skills such as compliance, reporting, and quality standards.
“This is not just about filling immediate vacancies,” adds Charlotte. “It is about building a sustainable pipeline of high-calibre professionals who uphold the safety and professional standards this industry demands.”
Robert Southall, manager of ATaC, said: “Asbestos work demands technical accuracy, professional discipline and a genuine commitment to safety. These apprenticeships are designed to develop all three.
“By aligning the programmes with RSPH Level 3 qualifications and linking completion to AMI membership and the CSCS-badged AMI Skills Card, we are giving the next generation of analysts and surveyors a proper professional foundation. That benefits employers, clients and ultimately the people who rely on our industry to keep them safe.”
Employers interested in the revised programme can contact Shaun Collins at
