26 January 2024     News

Despite the chilly and rainy weather that enveloped Yorkshire yesterday, commitment to excellence prevailed as Wayne Stones, Utilities & Streetworks Trainer, conducted utility excavation training for a group of delegates from Northern Gas Networks. The inclement weather failed to dampen the spirits of both the Trainer and the delegates as they engaged in practical training on our specially constructed trench excavation area on Training Terrace.

The delegates, huddled in their PPE, showcased their determination to enhance their skills in utility excavation, undeterred by the challenging weather conditions. Wayne Stones, with his wealth of expertise, led the group through a comprehensive training session, emphasising safety protocols and best practices in the field.

Training Terrace, a state-of-the-art training facility, is designed for hands-on learning experiences and played a crucial role in facilitating the practical aspects of the training. The dedicated trench excavation area provides a safe yet realistic environment for the delegates to apply their knowledge and hone their skills under the guidance of Wayne.

Find out more

Training Terrace is a true to-scale, artificial street and serves as a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality training experiences, ensuring that professionals in the utility industry are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles.

For those interested in learning more about Training Terrace and the comprehensive training programmes offered, visit: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/training-terrace

To see which courses can be facilitated at our York training centre, download our brochure here: https://resources.developtraining.co.uk/york-training-brochure

For more information on our utility excavation training and upcoming course dates, please contact our Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk.

   09 January 2024         News

In a significant update to Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation & Power),  professionals who install, commission, maintain, monitor, and manage heating systems, are set to face a major shift in regulations concerning flow temperatures. The new guidelines emphasise that, for heating systems, flow temperatures should not exceed 55°C, and ideally, they should be kept below this threshold.

The guidelines state that,

“All parts of the system, including pipework and emitters, should be sized to allow the space heating system to operate effectively, and in a manner that meets the heating needs of the building, at a maximum flow temperature of 55°C or lower. To maximise the efficiency of these systems, it would be preferable to design to a lower flow temperature than 55°C. Where it is not feasible to install a space heating system that can operate at this temperature (e.g. where there is insufficient space for larger radiators, or the existing distribution system is provided with higher temperature heat from a low carbon district heat network), the space heating system should be designed to the lowest design temperature possible that will still meet the heating needs of the building.”

The reduced temperatures are primarily in response to new condensing boilers. The water returning to the boiler needs to be lower than 55 °C otherwise the water won’t condense and therefore it would be like having a non-condensing boiler, which defeats the point.

While this change brings about several advantages in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact, it also introduces a new consideration for those that manage secondary hot water systems heated by them — the increased risk of Legionella bacteria formation in hot water systems due to decreased hot water flow, return and distribution temperatures. It will also have impact on the scald risk and management protocols, amongst others.

Legionella is a waterborne pathogen that can lead to acute respiratory pneumonia. The bacteria multiples between the temperatures of 20°C and 45° which is more likely as a consequence of this change.

Hot water systems face increased risk of Legionella bacteria

Dan Sutherland, Senior Water Systems & Legionella Trainer at Develop Training explains,

It is important that industry understands, communicates and provides specific risk assess guidance on each situation on its own merits. This can be challenging and so developing employee competence is part of this (partly achieved through training). Late understanding of these principles impacts businesses and individuals from a commercial, financial and personal aspect.”

He continues,

Where the hot water system represents a lower risk from legionella, reduced hot water temperature may have little impact (typically in domestic dwellings and smaller commercial settings) but in larger commercial and healthcare systems (and commonly older systems), maintaining traditional hot water flow and return temperatures of 60°C and 50°C may still be a key control.

There is also impact in the world of scald prevention and thermostatic mixing valves – can these valves now be removed in some settings? Will they continue to work effectively due to reduced supply temperatures? What is the possible impact and effect on build quality requirements, and will hot water system design change as a consequence?

We should also remember that best practice up to now has been to supply hot water to kitchens for hygiene reasons of at least 55°C.”

Legionella training a critical factor in mitigating risk

To address this concern, training providers in the Building Services industry play a crucial role in ensuring that professionals are well-informed and equipped to navigate these evolving regulations. It is essential for heating engineers and those who work with hot water systems to stay up to date with the latest industry standards, enhance their knowledge of Legionella prevention measures, and implement best practices in their installations to uphold both safety and efficiency.

As the industry adapts to these changes, Develop Training will be incorporating the latest updates into its curriculum, ensuring that heating engineers are well-prepared to meet the demands of the evolving regulatory landscape. This proactive approach will not only enhance the skills of professionals in the field but also contribute to creating safer and more energy-efficient heating systems for the benefit of both consumers and the environment.

Click here to find out more about Develop’s range of Legionella training.

Click here to find out more about Develop’s range of Gas training.

   05 January 2024        News

In a strategic move to improve incident management and enhance the preparedness of its staff, firmus energy, a natural gas supplier in Northern Ireland, has collaborated with Develop Training, a renowned utilities training provider.

The objective was clear: to rigorously test procedures and ensure that firmus’ engineering and technical teams were well-equipped to handle real-world incidents. The decision to opt for Develop Training was influenced by the organisations’ successful track record in creating bespoke incident management training programmes for utility companies.

Training expertise in incident management for the gas industry

The driving force behind firmus’ choice was the wealth of experience brought to the table by Develop’s experts, Jim Donnelly and Chris Parker, both of whom have many years experience of working hands on in the gas industry and devised a similar training initiative for Phoenix Energy last year.

The bespoke programme of training designed by Develop brought together various teams within Firmus, fostering collaboration among individuals who may not typically work together on a day-to-day basis but would have to work effectively together in the case of a serious incident. The training aimed to simulate real-life incident scenarios, allowing the group to test procedures and for Jim and Chris to gather invaluable feedback from those involved. The pair also assessed how the group responded both as a team and individuals. The feedback was then presented to firmus and an action plan created.

Positive feedback from delegates and employer

The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed that the experience was not only enjoyable but also deeply appreciated.

One delegate said,

The training was a fantastic opportunity for us to demonstrate our ability to react to a simulated incident, uncovering potential areas for improvement in procedures. The best way to learn is by actively doing the task so I found it incredibly useful to do this training and it’s definitely given me some learning points to go away and put into practice.”

One of the standout benefits cited by firmus was the opportunity to receive direct feedback from the individuals who participated in the training. This feedback loop proved instrumental in shaping the action plan.

Chantal Hemphill, HSE Manager at firmus, expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration, stating,

Working with Develop Training has been an incredibly valuable experience for firmus. Jim and Chris were clearly very experienced, making us feel comfortable throughout the process. Their professionalism and commitment to ensuring our teams were well-prepared for any incident were evident, and we are grateful for the positive impact this training has had on our organisation. There have been some clear takeaways that the training highlighted and we’re now working through the action plan to address these.”

A bespoke training package for incident management and response in the gas industry

As effective incident management and response continues to play a key role in the utilities industry, investment in employee training proves to be essential for companies like firmus. Develop Training’s successful collaboration with firmus underscores the importance of hands-on, bespoke training in ensuring the preparedness and efficiency of industry professionals in handling real-world scenarios.

To find out more about how Develop can help your organisation with bespoke incident management and response training, please contact our Customer Service Team on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk

   30 November 2023         News

Develop Training, the UK’s leading accredited provider of compliance, technical, and safety training, has re-launched one of its most popular courses, F-Gas (Category 1), to provide delegates with training to identify the hazards and safe working practices for working with fluorinated gases.

Re-launched on 20^th November, the return of the course to Develop is well-timed with the growth of the F-Gas industry, bridging the skills gap to meet the demands of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) sectors.

F Gas Category 1 training certified by City & Guilds 2079-11 scheme

The F-Gas course, certified under the City & Guilds 2079-11 scheme, will be delivered by Develop trainer, Brandon Clark, a seasoned refrigeration and air conditioning engineer. This will explore updates to statutory regulation requirements, while combining both theory and practical testing to ensure delegates understand the risk and management techniques needed in the sector.

F-Gas training courses in York, Derby and Scotland

Available at Develop’s York, Derby and Linlithgow centres, prospective delegates can view course dates on Develop’s website, with more to come in 2024. The course can also be delivered at other locations for businesses that have six or more staff that require training.

Brandon Clark, F-Gas Trainer at Develop, said:

We are pleased to relaunch our F-Gas course this year at Develop, which has been updated to reflect the current regulations. F-Gas maintenance and reduction is crucial to achieving the UK’s target of reducing F-Gas emissions by two-thirds by 2030. This course will enable us to provide a range of essential theoretical, practical and green skills and help our customers successfully manage their F-Gas containing equipment in-line with EU Guidelines and regulations.”

Develop now also offers the City & Guilds 6187-21 qualification, equipping delegates with the skills and knowledge to safely handle Hydrocarbon and Flammable Refrigerants, covering all stages from installation to disposal.

To find out more about Develop’s F-Gas course or to sign up for training, please visit: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/courses/electrical-and-mechanical/f-gas

   13 October 2023         News

In the world of professional development, practical training plays a vital role in preparing individuals for real-world challenges. Develop Training, known for its dedication to providing high quality training to the utilities industry, last week hosted a NCO Gas Level 2 Escape, Locate & Repair training course at its York training centre.

A prime example of Develop’s commitment to delivering high-quality utilities training, the highlight of this particular course was the practical element, where delegates had the opportunity to test their skills on Training Terrace—a fully to-scale artificial street designed to simulate real-world scenarios. This immersive experience enabled delegates to practice essential tasks related to gas network construction, escape procedures, locating faults, and making necessary repairs, all while ensuring utmost safety.

Gas training in a controlled, safe and realistic environment

Training Terrace consists of three purpose-built houses, street scene, a café, a deep excavation pit and a confined spaces area.

The street looks and appears as a regular street would but each area has been specifically designed for training purposes. This allows Develop to deliver courses in emergency response to gas incidents, as well as excavation safety, cable avoidance, ACS gas, street lighting, drains, sewer jetting and confined spaces entry. Benefits to delegates include a realistic training environment, development of skills in a controlled setting, problem-solving opportunities, real-life collaboration and teamwork and increased confidence in their applying their skills back in the workplace.

Practical training for gas engineering professionals

This hands-on training experience undoubtedly left the gas engineering professionals better equipped to tackle the challenges in their day jobs constructing and maintain the UK’s extensive gas network, where precision and safety are paramount. By gaining practical exposure, delegates could refine their skills and improve their on-the-job performance in a completely safe, yet highly realistic environment.

       

Further information on Training Terrace

For more information about Training Terrace and the courses available at this state-of-the-art facility in York, please visit: www.developtraining.co.uk/training-terrace

Alternatively, contact our friendly Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk

   11 September 2023        News

Gas Safety Week is happening from September 11th to 17th, 2023, and it’s all about keeping you and your loved ones safe when it comes to gas.

We’re Develop Training, the UK’s leading provider of Compliance, Technical, and Safety training, and we’re fully behind the Gas Safety Week message for 2023.

Gas is a crucial part of many homes, so here are some easy tips to help you stay gas safe:

1. Get a Carbon Monoxide Detector: This is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your family. Carbon monoxide is a silent and odourless killer, but these detectors will alert you when it’s in the air.
2. Watch for Warning Signs: If anything seems strange, like unusual smells, warning lights, or alarms, don’t hesitate to call a Gas Safe registered engineer. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. You can find a Gas Safe Registered Engineer here.
3. Check Your Engineer: Before letting anyone work on your gas appliances, make sure they’re on the Gas Safe Register. You can easily verify this using their 7-digit license number, found on their Gas Safe ID card. Then simply place it here. It is an all too common occurrence to see incidents involving gas making the headlines – to read about a recent case of this, take a look at our most recent news article here.
4. New Home Precautions: If you’re moving into a new home, ask the previous owners for paperwork about gas appliances. It’s also a good idea to have them tested for safety.
5. Regular Appliance Checks: Save money and avoid serious problems by getting your gas appliances checked regularly. This ensures they run efficiently and safely, preventing leaks, fires, or health issues.

These five tips are your ticket to a gas-safe home. For more information on Gas Safety Week, visit the Gas Safe Register website. And if you’re interested in our domestic and commercial gas training courses, take a look here. on our website.

Stay safe!

   16 August 2023         News

Incidents involving poor or unsafe gas work continue to be a recurring problem across the UK, and one that should be a concern for all personal and commercial property owners.

The latest incident involves a self-employed plumber who carried out unsafe gas work in Hampshire and pretended to be Gas Safe registered.

Ben Craig Siddle, trading as BCS Gas and Plumbing, worked on numerous homes in Hampshire in 2021 and 2022 even though he was not a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Mr Siddle, 24, falsely represented himself as a Gas Safe registered engineer to customers and did not carry out the work to appropriate standards, leaving residents at risk from unsafe gas appliances.

He left two of the properties he worked on in an unsafe condition.

Gas Safe registered engineers were later required to correct and repair installations Mr Siddle had carried out at these properties. At one property on East Cosham Road, Portsmouth, the boiler and flue Mr Siddle installed were deemed immediately dangerous. A boiler Mr Siddle installed at another property on Howard Road, Portsmouth, was classed as at risk. (Source: https://press.hse.gov.uk/2023/07/19/plumber-given-suspended-prison-sentence-for-carrying-out-unsafe-gas-work)

Gas Safe training is paramount

Poor workmanship could result in a life-threatening situation where appliances have actually been made dangerous by the illegal fitter, causing risk of explosion and/or of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

This alarming news serves as a stark reminder to businesses and home-owners that it is vital to ensure you are checking the gas safe register before hiring a contractor.

Develop Training’s ACS gas training courses are NICEIC accredited, allowing the individual and/or employer to apply for Gas Safe Registration following successful completion of the training.

It is vital that anyone involved in gas works has up to date knowledge of the latest legislation and working practices, and is Gas Safe Registered.

Further information

Click here to find out more about the ACS gas courses offered by Develop.

Interested in finding out more about the ACS gas scheme?  https://www.developtraining.co.uk/acs-gas-scheme/

   14 July 2023         News

It has been an exciting six months here at Develop Training. Now we’re over half way through the year, let’s take a look back over the first half of 2023 and review some of our most notable moments:

Facility Enhancements and Innovations:

Develop relocates Swindon training centre

At the end of 2022 our Swindon training centre was relocated to a more accessible venue closer to the M4. This move not only improved convenience for our delegates but also allowed us to upgrade our facilities significantly, providing a modernised and comfortable learning environment as well as allowing us to offer a wider range of courses including gas, multi-utility, water waste networks and confined space training.

Find out more here: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/mayor-opens-develop-trainings-new-swindon-training-centre/

Develop re-opens York training centre following extensive refurbishment

In May, we re-opened our York centre following an impressive £500k refurbishment. The centre has had several updates to include two fixed-learning classrooms, a training centre catering for alternative energies, two HV workshops and an LV workshop. These workshops will offer a number of Develop’s courses, including those relevant to confined spaces, gas distribution, health and safety, healthcare estates and water systems.

Find out more here: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/develop-officially-unveils-its-york-training-centre-and-fully-to-scale-artificial-street-following-significant-investment/

Artificial training street introduced at York centre

As part of the York refurbishment, we also proudly introduced Training Terrace—an true to-scale artificial street that offers delegates an immersive and practical training experience. Training Terrace looks and appears as a regular street would, consisting of houses, apartments, and a café, but each area has been specifically designed for training purposes. This allows trainers to deliver courses in emergency response to gas incidents, as well as excavation safety, cable avoidance, street lighting, drains, sewer jetting and confined spaces entry.

Find out more here: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/lindsay-talks-takes-the-spotlight-at-grand-unveiling-of-training-terrace/

£500k refurbishment begins in Derby

In April we began an extensive refurbishment of our Derby training centre. The project includes a complete renovation of the existing classrooms, office spaces, reception, toilets, and communal areas, as well as some external areas. There will also be a newly refurbished canteen for delegates, as well as a new coffee break out area. The centre is due to re-open to delegates in mid-July.

Keep up to date with the latest information on our company news pages: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/news

Investing in Excellence:

Recruitment drive due to growing demand

Responding to the growing demand for our services, we have heavily invested in recruitment and increased our technical staffing levels. Some recent additions to our delivery team include an ex-firefighter, an ex-bomb disposal expert, and a former electrician. Recruiting trainers with extensive industry backgrounds helps us to ensure that our training is relatable, as they can call upon their personal experiences to provide relevant examples that resonate with delegates.

Interested in a career at Develop? Find out more: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/about-us/work-for-develop/

Mobile confined spaces unit launched

To further enhance our service offerings, we spent many months designing a mobile confined spaces training unit. This project finally came to fruition in April when the unit was delivered to us. This addition allows us to provide practical training in confined spaces, at customer sites all across the UK – it only takes up 4 carparking spaces and is ready to go in just 15 minutes!

This state-of-the-art facility can simulate a range of environments utilising lighting and smoke machines throughout 35m of tunnels and horizontal shafts. Equipped with advanced features such as 4K and night vision cameras, smoke machines, speakers and pipework it simulates a realistic working environment that allows delegates to practice navigating confined spaces in a safe and controlled environment. This advanced facility has already been utilised by clients such as Rolls Royce, Cadent and even the Fire Department.

Find out more about our mobile confined space unit here: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/mobile-confined-space-unit

New range of e-Learning courses to supplement in-person training

In May we were delighted to announce the launch of LEDA, our new e-learning platform. The courses available on the LEDA platform supplement and support our practical training courses, offering professionals the flexibility to enhance their skills and knowledge through interactive online modules. The initial batch of 64 courses focuses on a range of business areas including leadership & management and IOSH as well as a range of general health and safety courses. More categories are set to be added in the coming months through collaboration and feedback from Develops valued customers.

Find out more about LEDA here: https://resources.developtraining.co.uk/digital-elearning-programmes-from-develop-training

Recognition of Excellence:

Develop awarded Investors in People Gold award

In January 2023, Develop Training achieved the prestigious Investors in People Gold award. This recognition signifies our commitment to nurturing a positive and supportive work environment, where our team thrives through continuous professional development. This prestigious award is decided after an extensive assessment and achieved by less than 10% of those who apply for it, making Develop part of an exclusive group of companies invested in their employees future.

Continue reading: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/investors-in-people-gold-award/

Excellent feedback following CABWI visit

Additionally, in May Develop underwent an external quality assessment by the Certification and Awarding Body for Industry (CAWBI). We’re delighted to say that the feedback was excellent, and we have included an excerpt from the assessment below:

Develop demonstrated: “High quality delivery over all qualifications using very experienced industry professionals, top quality IT systems and excellent management of all ongoing delivery programmes.”

Summary:

So, what does the remainder of 2023 hold for Develop?

We remain committed to investing in our facilities and our employees, we are extending our training provision into new areas of growth, and we will continue to deliver high-quality training programmes for the industries we work with.

As ever, our overall aim is to deliver exceptional training experiences and equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their roles.

   13 July 2023         News

We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Thomas Flynn, who has recently joined Daryll Garavan’s Utilities team as a Gas Trainer. With a wealth of hands-on industry experience and in-depth knowledge, Tom has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by delegates in their day-to-day roles. This will allow him to tailor his training approach to address their specific needs, ensuring they receive the utmost value and an exceptional learning experience.

Before joining Develop, Tom served as a Civil Engineer, primarily focusing on groundwork in the Luton area. However, between 2015 and 2020, he honed his skills as a Gas Engineer at Cadent, where he played a crucial role in detecting and addressing leaks. Every day presented unique challenges, as identifying and resolving leaks required a keen eye and problem-solving abilities. Prior to 2015, Tom also worked for Cadent in a variety of gas-related roles.

An enjoyable few weeks

Reflecting on his first few weeks at Develop, Tom said, “I am truly enjoying my time at Develop so far. The level of support I’ve received has been nothing short of excellent. From a wide range of training opportunities to the invaluable experience of shadowing fellow trainers, Develop has truly exceeded my expectations in helping me settle into my new role. I feel empowered and well-equipped to deliver the best possible training and learning experience for our delegates.”

Outside of work

Beyond his professional pursuits, Tom is a talented bass guitarist and an avid music lover. When he’s not training or working, you can find him playing in a band or attending concerts. He is also a devoted football fan, although he no longer plays due to past injuries. As a passionate supporter of Luton Town, Tom finds great joy (and sometimes great disappointment!) in cheering on his beloved team.

We are delighted to have Tom join our team at Develop, and we look forward to the valuable contributions he will make. Welcome aboard, Tom – it’s a pleasure to have you with us!

 

 

   04 July 2023         News

Training Terrace, Develop’s fully to-scale artificial street offering real-life work scenarios for training and assessment, has garnered high praise from delegates who recently attended the facility. Delegates expressed their satisfaction with the true-to-life scenarios and highlighted how the training experience at Training Terrace is helping them excel in their real-life jobs.

In June, the true to-scale artificial street welcomed its first intake of delegates who were undertaking NCO Gas Level 2 Escape, Locate & Repair training. One delegate commented, “The street provides well-thought-out and realistic interiors, which makes it feel just like the houses we encounter in our day-to-day work. It’s incredible how the facility replicates some of the challenges we face on domestic sites.”

Another delegate emphasised the benefits of Training Terrace, stating, “The realism and familiarity offered by Training Terrace makes a significant difference in our training. I personally feel more confident and better prepared to handle real-life situations after undergoing training in this facility because it’s allowed me to practice my skills in a safe and controlled environment.”

This feedback proves that delegates value the chance to train in an environment like Training Terrace, as it enables them to bridge the divide between theoretical knowledge and practical application whilst practicing their skills in a safe, closed environment.

A long history of training innovation

The positive feedback received from delegates affirms Develop’s commitment to delivering high-quality training experiences. Training Terrace is just one example of how Develop continuously strives to provide innovative and immersive training solutions, ensuring that delegates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of their professions.

In 2021, Develop launched the utilities industries first ever City & Guild’s accredited blended learning training course for workers who handle high voltage electrical systems. This was swiftly followed by a range of other blended and virtual classroom programmes. Further to this, Develop has recently added a new state of the art mobile confined space training facility to its delivery portfolio. Develop is also seeking to address the national shortage of teaching and learning roles within the sectors by significantly investing in trainer recruitment via a project known as Evolve – further details will be available soon.

Further information on Training Terrace

For more information about Training Terrace and the courses available at this state-of-the-art facility in York, please visit www.developtraining.co.uk/about-us-training-facilities.

Alternatively, contact our friendly Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk