07 October 2022        News

Last month we hosted our annual Develop Training staff conference during which we celebrated and acknowledged our wonderful team with several awards, all voted for by employees at our company.

We’re delighted to share news of the five winners and some of the reasons why they received their awards…

Congratulations to all our winners!

   Case Studies

At Develop Training our team know all about what the day-to-day culture feels like but we’d like to share an insight with you too. So, we’re starting a brand-new series devoted to the people behind Develop Training and share their stories.

We kick things off with the story of Daryll Garavan, where we trace 12 years of twists and turns that ultimately led Daryll to his current role as Utilities Operational Training Manager for Develop Training.

Career progression with Develop

Daryll first joined Develop Training all the way back in 2010. At that time, he was working at a bank and had begun searching for a route into a new field. Fate had it that Develop Training happened to be advertising a role at the same time, and as Daryll explains it: “The role popped up and I went for it straight away.”

The role was as an administrator and it was in high demand as it concerned the transfer of one centre’s (Whitwell) administration into another (Derby). The interview process had to be quick and efficient, and Daryll had to be a fast learner, “I was one of the administrators at the time that went in to really learn the ropes and bring it back to the Derby centre.”

As goes for any member of staff at Develop Training, Daryll’s potential and natural aptitude for the job was recognised quickly. His precise handling of the day-to-day data entry and course setup earnt him a promotion into the position of team leader within the administration department. From there, Daryll’s ambition took him everywhere.

“There’s always change in some way or another, and new contracts regarding different industries are always coming up. I’m the type of person to go for opportunities like those when they do arise.”

Kenya trip

Daryll, and a few other members of our team only recently returned from a week-long trip to Kenya, where they represented Develop Training in supporting school and education development in Kukuru. The team were put to work in the community there and used their expertise to help develop utility systems for local schools that allowed the delivery of clean water and sanitation.

Daryll said: “We were all immensely proud to see how grateful the community was and how such a small sacrifice for us made such a positive difference to their lives.”

From answering the call for an administration role to now heading up the utilities team and making voyages across to Kenya, Daryll’s story exemplifies how an ambitious mind will always be rewarded with brightening possibilities here at Develop Training.

Stay tuned for our next staff story, where we’ll trace the journey of another one of our essential employees here at Develop Training.

   27 June 2022         News

Develop Training team returns from life-changing utility venture in Nakuru, Kenya.

Derby-based Develop Training welcomes home three of its colleagues who have recently returned from Nakuru, Kenya after embarking on a project to change the lives of communities in remote and impoverished areas. Part of the JTL Group, Develop Training is one of the UK’s leading providers of Compliance, Technical and Safety training.

The project, in partnership with Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) and African Adventures, saw the team from Develop Training work with limited resources to develop utility systems that will help to improve the lives of Nakuru communities and their children by installing systems that deliver clean water and sanitation. The team, comprised of Michele Clark, Daryll Garavan and Danny Connor, worked with the wider team of 70 volunteers alongside the local community to improve and install new toilet facilities.

Some of the schools in the community host over 5000 students with as little as two toilets; this has subsequently exacerbated the problems surrounding young girls missing out on schooling due to not having sanitary supplies or adequate toilet systems. Due to this, Develop Training’s long-term plan is to train the community to enable them to maintain and sustain the equipment and systems installed independently for decades to come.

Eye-opening experience

Daryll Garavan, operational training manager at Develop Training, said: “The Kenya Project was an eye-opening experience that allowed us to give children, who originally wouldn’t have had access to schooling, the opportunity for an education. It was an honour to be able to lay down the foundations and legacy for accessible education in a community where it will have a huge positive impact. Working with local builders to improve the utilities systems at the five schools we visited at times felt like a drop in the ocean – however, we were all immensely proud to see how grateful the community was and how such a small sacrifice for us made such a positive difference to their lives”.

One of the Utility Companies joining Develop on this unique project was Northern Gas Networks, Chris Adair, Training Manager was joined on the trip by 3 of his apprentices, Chris said “It was an amazing project to be involved in, life changing, life affirming and a real rollercoaster of emotions. For NGN to commit to supporting myself and 3 apprentices to embark on this project is simply amazing and shows their commitment to a sustainable future for all”. Chris added “The impact this opportunity has had on the apprentices has been life changing  and certainly puts everything into perspective. I’d urge any utility company to consider getting involved in Kenya 2023 – it will be an experience you will never forget!”.

Daryll added “We are now motivated and committed to ensuring we leave a long lasting legacy, and are therefore urging other utilities companies to join forces for the Kenya 2023 trip. As rewarding as the trip has been, resources in Nakuru aren’t easy to come by, and at times it could be frustrating when you knew you could be doing more. Because of this, we are actively encouraging other utilities companies to join us on our next Kenya trip, and we look forward to seeing what we can achieve with a few more hands on deck and much more awareness of the task at hand.”

Utility venture in Kenya

An information evening is being held at Derby County Football Club, Pride Park, Derby, on Thursday 14th July. If you would like to attend the information evening, please register your interest. If you are interested in booking into the 2023 trip, please visit African Adventures.

   22 June 2022         News

Certification body, CompEx, has worked with Southampton-based training provider, The Southampton Engineering Training Association (SETA), and a local major cruise line company to develop a new module for the maritime industry, which is now available for bookings.

The new qualification aims to support the sector with the transition from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The qualification covers the requirements set out in the standards IEC 60079:14, IEC 60079:17, IEC 60092-502 and the IGF Code. The new five-day course is suitable for engineers and technicians who are responsible for the maintenance and inspection of electrical systems and instrumentation within hazardous areas onboard vessels. This includes cruise lines, bulk carriers, general cargo, containers and tankers, which are powered with gas or low flashpoint fuels such as LNG.

To complete the course, both a practical assessment and a multi-choice examination is undertaken by learners. Successful candidates will understand the key protection concepts, regulations, codes, standards, and identify hazards specific to LNG.

Huw Bement, Director of CompEx, said: “Compared to HFO, the use of LNG allows substantial reductions in regulated emissions and carbon dioxide. In terms of ignition risk, LNG is significantly more challenging than more stable HFOs. To address this, CompEx has worked with SETA to pilot the course with a major cruise line company to ensure there is a new qualification in place specifically to support with the ongoing transition to LNG in the maritime sector.

This new course is a great way of providing both engineers and technicians who work within hazardous areas onboard marine vessels with the awareness and understanding of working with LNG. As the course is now available for bookings, we are thrilled to be able to welcome candidates to register their interest and sign up for the module.”

Russ James, Sales Manager at SETA said: “The development of the CompEx Maritime Course has taken a lot of hard work to ensure that the elements within it are right for the sector. As a consequence, we are proud to be able to say that SETA is the first CompEx Centre in the world to deliver the CompEx Maritime course, MTEx01-MTEx04 Maritime Fuels.

Southampton is the UK’s busiest cruise port and plays host to the UKs most productive container terminal; so not only are we well positioned at the heart of The Solent economy with exciting local developments within the Marine sector, but geographically accessible for international learners.”

Russ added “We are pleased to be at the vanguard of supporting businesses who will be working with LNG, helping to assist with the Net Zero commitment in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to combat global warming.”

Candidates who successfully complete the course will receive an internationally recognised CompEx Certificate in Core Competence.

How to book this new maritime industry course

Visit the CompEx website for further information on the module and to sign up. Bookings for the next available course can be made directly with The Southampton Engineering Training Association or contact CompEx.

   21 June 2022         News

Develop Training announces a new and improved Network Construction Operations course for gas practitioners.

Leading provider of Compliance, Technical and Safety training, Develop Training has released a more expansive Network Construction Operations (NCO) course for gas network operatives, which can be completed in two weeks.

The Network Construction Operations Gas Level 1 programme also includes the Street Works Excavation in the Highway qualification (NRWSA LA, O1 and O2).

Candidates must hold Safety Health and Environmental Awareness (SHEA) Gas certification prior to enrolling on the course. Upon completion candidates can go directly to work on the gas network on both construction sites and the highway.

Topics covered on the course include:

• Emergency First Aid
• Fire Control
• Manual Handling
• Breathing Apparatus
• NRSWA Location Avoidance
• NRSWA Signing, Lighting & Guarding
• NRSWA Excavation in the Highway.

The entirety of the qualification, which can be completed over 10 days across a two-week period, is available at Develop Training’s sites in Derby, York, Brentwood, and Scotland.

Daryll Garavan, Operational Training Manager at Develop Training said:

We’re pleased to be able to offer this new course for those looking to explore a career in gas. By delivering this course at a Develop Training centre, candidates can complete the qualification and join the Energy & Utility Skills Register in a much quicker process than going down the traditional route of a combination of classroom and on-site learning.

More training options for gas practitioners

Click here for our full Gas Distribution training offering

   13 June 2022        Blogs

This week (13th – 19th June) marks Men’s Health Week, seven days dedicated to providing all men access to the information, services, and advice they need to live healthier and longer lives.

Worrying statistics* indicate:

• Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women according to the Government’s national wellbeing survey.
• Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.
• Three times as many men as women die by suicide.

Here at Develop Training we wanted to mark the week by highlighting the support that’s available to all our delegates and bookers.

Develop Training is part of the JTL Group. On the JTL website, you can find a number of free and easily accessible mental health resources on the Tune Up channel.

JTL has also partnered with the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) to offer a range of welfare support services to all learners and employers working within the electrical sector and the wider building services industries. You can find out more here.

You may be interested to hear about a virtual course we offer, Developing Mental Resilience and Wellbeing, which helps delegates to understand what mental resilience is and how this can be utilised to minimise the negative effects of workplace stress.

Here you will find a collection of videos to help in understanding what mental health is, mindfulness and relaxation tips, and most importantly, what the first steps for seeking help are.

We offer an open-door policy here at Develop Training and would openly encourage any of our delegates and bookers suffering from the effects of poor mental health to come and talk to us.

* Statistics source: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/m/men-and-mental-health

   06 June 2022         News

Find out more about the Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification.

Join our team of electrical experts as they talk you through the Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification (aka Mature Electrician NVQ).

Discover your potential & enhance your career

Watch our webinar and hear how simple it can be to gain the Experienced Worker Qualification simply by doing your day job.

Learn why gaining full, formal recognition of your skills can help you get more work and be a great launchpad for a range of electrical careers.

   30 May 2022        Blogs

With the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment being one of our top priorities here at Develop Training, we are pleased to announce that we are now able to provide an independent external audit service.

These audits are a first of its kind in the utility sector and are now available following a successful trial with Network Plus. Earlier this year, we were approached by Network Plus to assist them in enhancing the overall quality of their teaching, learning, and assessment provision. Despite this being a unique request within the training sector, we knew we had to step up to the mark and devise a plan to help.

Network Plus audit

The first step in this plan was to work on the logistics of how this help could be delivered. Gary Fisher, Quality Assurance and Audit Manager at Develop Training, worked on pulling together a detailed project which ensured that all trainers at Network Plus would be observed on a rolling basis. These observations were to be carried out in line with and measured against UK educational standards, and the criteria specified by Energy and Utility Skills under the EUSR scheme.

Following on from the observations, Develop Training worked to compile a comprehensive report detailing the standard of the internal training, including the level of competency and assessment that was noted. This report was then sent on to the training lead at Network Plus, featuring many suggested recommendations to assist the business with working towards the EUSR standards.

Ashley Courtney, Training Manager at Network Plus, told us:

Develop Training has been assessing our trainers who deliver EUSR accredited courses to help support us in being able to verify the level of competence and quality being delivered. We have found this process to be extremely helpful, as it allows us to understand in depth where we stand as a business and potential areas in which trainers could improve to ensure the learner gets the most from the course.

The competence assessments will also help us when it comes to EUSR audits. We will be able to provide EUSR with the relevant paperwork to show we value quality and aim to better ourselves, and the service we deliver where possible.

   29 April 2022        Blogs

Here at Develop Training, we are committed to using our skills and experience to benefit those less fortunate. That’s why this May, we are sending three of our employees to take part in a life-changing project in Nakuru, Kenya.

Michele Clark, Daryll Garavan and Danny Connor will be travelling to one of the most remote, impoverished areas of Kenya to aid our sector in helping to provide clean water and sanitation to some of the poorest communities and children on our planet.

Working with Derby County Community Trust (DCCT), our employees will not only be supplying utilities that will drastically improve the quality of life for so many school children, teachers and their communities, but will also be training and educating local people to empower and enable them to maintain and sustain the equipment and systems independently for decades to come.

Daryll Garavan, Operational Training Manager at Develop Training, said:

The Kenya Project is a life-changing initiative that will help to improve the quality of living for some of the most unfortunate communities on our planet. With some schools having thousands of pupils and only a handful of toilets, no sewage systems, and no sanitary support for young girls, it is an honour to be able to work on making a difference within these communities and providing a life-long legacy.

Funds and donations for the project

Over the past few months, we have organised a series of fundraising events, and we kindly ask for your support on this project if you are able to make a donation.

Any donation helps and will contribute directly towards purchasing essential supplies and equipment for the Nakuru community.

We will be uploading regular updates about the project’s progress with the Develop Training community, so be sure to keep an eye on our news page and follow us across our social channels @developtraininglimited on Facebook and @DevelopTraining on Twitter, or by searching Develop Training on LinkedIn.

   04 March 2022         News

Find out more about the Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification.

You’re invited to join our team of electrical experts as they talk you through the Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification (aka Mature Electrician NVQ) on Friday 29th April at 10:30am.

Discover your potential & enhance your career

Join our webinar and hear how simple it can be to gain the Experienced Worker Qualification simply by doing your day job.

Learn why gaining full, formal recognition of your skills can help you get more work and be a great launchpad for a range of electrical careers.

You’ll also get the opportunity to ask our team of experts questions.