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There are currently in the region of 2,500 Members world-wide. There are four grades of membership:
Professional Membership is the principal grade of membership. It is open to scientifically qualified or trained persons, who meet the relevant criteria for membership. Suitable qualifications include a degree or equivalent qualification in a scientific subject, or an approved technical qualification. Students who satisfactorily complete the distance learning programmes established by the British Coatings Federation (BCF), may be eligible for Professional Membership. Applicants without formal qualifications, who can demonstrate considerable relevant practical experience, may also qualify. In all cases advice will be offered by the General Secretary.
There are three classes of Professional Membership: Licentiate (LTSC); Associate (ATSC); and, Fellow (FTSC). Professional Members are entitled to use designatory letters (shown in brackets above) after their names. List of Professional Members
Ordinary Membership is open to all those not otherwise qualified to apply for Professional or Student Membership. Ordinary Members are those associated with the surface coatings industries or who have an interest in the aims and objectives of the Association.
Student Membership is a special scheme, that has been developed for those who are engaged on a programme of structured academic, or vocational study. This scheme applies to full-time and part-time courses of study and all Student Members are eligible for a reduced membership rate, throughout their course of studies. In the UK, Student Members may qualify for free membership.
Honorary Membership is bestowed on persons whose work on behalf of the Association, or whose eminence in science or industrial achievement, the Association wishes to honour.
Membership of the Association can provide professional status. The Association offers professional qualifications within the surface coatings sector. Members elected to Professional Membership may use the appropriate designatory letters, LTSC, ATSC, or FTSC, after their name. This denotes their competence as surface coating professionals. Professional Members are automatically placed on the International Register of Professional Members, maintained by the Association on behalf of the world-wide surface coatings industries.
The Association has adopted a long term objective to attain a Royal Charter. Such an achievement will not only enhance the reputation of the Association, but also serve as an acknowledgement of the importance of the Association, within the surface coatings community.
Although the Association does not provide a structured programme of professional training, it does provide a broad and varied programme of technical meetings, exhibitions and technical visits. These meetings provide an opportunity for the continuing professional development of its Members. Members attending these meetings may apply for a Certificate of Attendance as a record of their training. The Association provides a Log Book for Members to record their CPD. Download a log book in Acrobat (.pdf) format (56kb).
The UK meetings are free of charge to Members. However, for seminars and major events a registration fee is charged. In these circumstances, Members benefit from a significantly reduced fee compared to Non-members; in many cases a reduction, which is equivalent to the annual membership subscription.
All Members of the Association receive Surface Coatings International Part A: Coatings Journal (10 issues per annum) and Part B: Coatings Transactions (4 issues per annum) free of charge. UK Members also receive, free of charge, both its sister publication, Surface Coatings International Bulletin and the annual, UK Surface Coatings Handbook.
A Bulletin is produced for Members of the Canadian Division and for the South African Division. This reflects the Associations' commitment to provide appropriate publications to the benefit of all our Members. Reduced rates are available to Members to purchase other Association publications.
Members of the Association, at all levels in the Industry, meet at technical and social functions. This is of considerable importance to newcomers to the industry, particularly Student Members. The opportunity to meet with peers from local companies provides useful contacts; unemployed Members have found this of particular benefit.
A Benevolent Fund has been established to assist Members, who are unable to meet their membership subscriptions, to maintain their membership. They can be assisted until they are in a position to resume their subscription payments. Members with many years of membership are offered specially reduced subscription rates, paid for from the Benevolent Fund.
Members seeking employment can take advantage of a free personal advertisement in the Surface Coatings International Bulletin
The General Secretary is always prepared to give confidential advice and support to Members. The Honorary Secretary and local Section Officers are also a helpful source of information and support.
The Oil & Colour Chemists' Association (OCCA) is a leading professional body, recognised worldwide as an authority on all matters relating to the colour and surface coatings industries. OCCA is a Members organisation. Our Members are our strength. The majority of our activities and events are organised by them. OCCA Members are professional individuals; employed at all levels and capacities, by the companies that manufacture, supply, or apply the colours, coatings, raw materials, equipment, or services of our industry. More details on benefits to companies...
Application for membership is made by completing an application form. All applicants require a minimum of two supporting sponsors. The majority of applications are made via Sections and supported by Section Members. Applicants without contact with existing Members, should contact the Secretary of their nearest Section. Alternatively, they should apply direct to the Association head office, see the address below, without sponsors. They will, in either case, be assisted in identifying suitable sponsors for their application.
The annual subscription for Ordinary Membership in the UK and General Overseas Section is around £65.00. Special rates apply to Student Members, many of whom qualify for free membership. Established Sections, outside the UK, have their own subscription rates, reflecting local conditions and benefits of membership.
Professional Members pay a small annual supplement, depending on their Class of Professional Membership.
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The Membership Secretary Oil & Colour Chemists' Association Priory House, 967 Harrow Road Wembley HA0 2SF, UK |
Tel: +44 (0)20 8908 1086 Fax: +44 (0)02 8908 1219 E-Mail: membership@occa.org.uk |