The first initiative is to launch an innovative new ‘passport’ scheme, aimed at improving best practice for both employers and employees in the engineering sector. Peter Hargreaves, MD of Bath-based civil and mechanical engineering firm Lawrence, chairs the Pipeline Construction Group, which was formed in order to pool valuable resources and expertise across the industry and aims to improve standards through various initiatives. The passport scheme is currently being rolled-out to high-pressure pipeline projects across the country. The idea is to record work undertaken by each individual working on a pipeline project, so that employers can determine employee capability and ensure the correct person is matched to the correct job. In addition it will identify the training and experience each person has gained. The scheme will provide a basis for future NVQ initiatives. Eight thousand passports have been printed and distributed to contractors across the country and the scheme will be piloted over the next two months. Chairman Peter Hargreaves, says: “This is the first proposal out of the Pipeline Construction Group, and one of which we’re very proud. The passports will act as objective evidence behind competence, and we all feel they will help ensure that the right person is doing the right job. For the employee they are a way of tracking training and development and ensuring achievements are documented.”