The first course is over, and despite it being a new venture both for the Federation and the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, it seems as if we can say it's a success. The feedback from the students who completed the course has been very positive, and most have said how much they enjoyed the course and how much they learnt from it. Comments such as: 'I have been in metrology for 20 years and didn't realise all the material involved' and 'I would definitely recommend this course to my colleagues' are very encouraging.
Andy Hayward the course tutor has commented on the high standard of the workbooks submitted and he is pleased that so many students have commented favourably.
The workbooks will now go forward to the external assessor for validation, and students who submitted can expect to get their results at the end of September.
The course has generated interest amongst the metrology community generally, and a number of Trading Standards Officers have congratulated the Federation on the initiative. Some have even enquired about sending their own technical staff on the course, and that's an option we will be considering in the near future.
This has been a learning experience for us as well as the students. In review meetings with the University we have agreed a number of improvements that will be introduced when the next course begins in September. Any students who had difficulties with the course, or who didn't manage to submit their workbooks on time, will, because this was the first course, automatically be re-enrolled for the September course without charge.
We have already received a number of requests for enrolments for the next course therefore an Enrolment Pack for new students is enclosed with this issue, if you need any more please photocopy the forms or ask the Federation Office for additional copies. | 
