Meet the ICorr Trainers & Assessors: David Martin

Next up in our ICorr Assessor series is David Martin, who brings over 50 years of coatings industry experience to Corrodere’s ICorr training and assessments.
Here, we speak with David to learn more about his background, his approach to training, and what he enjoys most about supporting the next generation of coating inspectors.

1) How did you begin your career in the coatings industry?

“I commenced working in the coatings industry 53 years ago for a local industrial painting contractor, starting as a labourer, pot man and then learning to blast and spray. I worked on various factories along the Humber bank for many years and then I qualified as a Coatings Inspector in my early 20’s which opened opportunities for me to work all over the UK and then worldwide.”

2) How long have you been delivering ICorr training and assessments?

“I have been delivering ICorr training and assessments for the past year, but prior to this I was delivering the Industrial Coating Applicators apprenticeship throughout the UK plus other coating inspection, surface preparation and painting training programs for various training providers.”

3) What does your preparation for a training or assessment day look like?

“The evening before the scheduled assessment or training day I set up the worktable in my office and layout all the inspection instruments and ensure my computer and software is working correctly so I’m ready for the next day. I usually get online at least half an hour early, so I am ready for starting promptly at 9am. I find it is important to be informal, introduce the students to each other and get some banter & teamwork going to relax and encourage them to ask any questions no matter how trivial throughout the day.”

4) What do you enjoy most about training and assessing?

“I get so much satisfaction imparting knowledge to the next generation of Coating Inspectors. I vividly remember being in the same position as them so many years ago and how this industry has provided me with a comfortable lifestyle. It’s so satisfying, possibly being able to help students with their careers, and achieve similar opportunities.”

5) What value do you feel ICorr certification offers students?

“ICorr certification has come a long way since it was first introduced and is respected and specified by many companies worldwide. The online courses are very flexible, allowing the student to study at their own pace with full support available to them whenever and wherever they may need it.”

6) How do you approach helping students who may be struggling?

“If the student is struggling to understand some part of the curriculum, I try and refer to a real-life inspection related scenario which I have experienced during my career. This often explains things in an easier way for the student to understand. When assessment time comes along some of the students are quite nervous and it’s important to try and calm and relax them by talking about various subjects or hobbies they may be interested in both before and during the assessment. This tends to settle them down and their confidence improves.”

7) What advice would you give to someone starting out in the coatings industry?

“If they are diligent, prepared to work hard, and accept there will be some sacrifices to make along the way, there are so many different career opportunities available. It can be very rewarding, you meet some great colleagues and characters from all over the world, and many remain lifelong friends.”

A huge thank you to David Martin for sharing his insight into life as an ICorr Trainer and Assessor. We are so pleased to have him as part of the team.