05 January 2022         News

Are you pursuing a new career or after a fresh challenge? Perhaps you’re aiming for a promotion? Or you want to learn just for fun!

Why not get the new year off to a great start and begin your upskilling journey right now with Develop Training.

Whether you’re looking for an electrical training course, some fresh Leadership and Management skills or even want to broaden your horizons by learning more about legionella and water systems – you’ve come to the right place! Develop can help with all of these.

Start by browsing our full range of courses or download our open course programme for the first half of 2022. If you can’t find what you’re looking for then give our friendly Customer Service team a call on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk.

Why choose Develop?

• Recognised standards, including City & Guilds, CABWI, ILM, IOSH, WJA and more
• Flexible training locations, including your place of work or one of our extensive UK training centres
• Expertise – our training history dates back over 50 years and our trainers come from industry so have ‘real-life’ experience of what they’re teaching
• Hands on approach – the majority of our training combines both theoretical and practical elements. This gives learners the best possible learning experience.

   14 December 2021         News

Develop Training is supporting Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) with their annual Rams in Kenya trip.

Our Senior Leadership Team opened up the floor to all our colleagues and offered them the opportunity to attend – all they had to do was nominate themselves and tell us why they should be chosen…and it’s safe to say we were inundated with applications!

After much deliberation we are delighted to announce the winners of our competition to win a trip of a lifetime to support a project that will change the lives of children and their communities in remote and impoverished areas of Kenya are:

• Michele Clark
• Daryll Garavan
• Danny Connor

All three bring a wide range of technical skills and transferable skills such as painting, cooking, first aid and most importantly the willingness to get stuck in and help transform lives.

Congratulations to all three – we can’t wait to hear more about this adventure of a lifetime.

Working in partnership with Derby County Community Trust

Working with Derby County Community Trust, Northern Gas Networks and African Adventures the winner has the opportunity to experience this life-changing project and be part of sometime truly amazing and unique the prize is an all-expenses paid one week trip to take part.

   25 November 2021         News

Companies across the UK are being invited to pool their expertise and join a pioneering project aimed at improving the lives of children and their communities in a remote area of Kenya.

We are seeking volunteers with a host of skills and enthusiasm to join us on this life-changing trip.

DCCT annually bring together an army of volunteers to undertake life-changing projects in impoverished areas around Nakuru and the next trip has been confirmed for May 2022.

The annual visit to Nakuru sees volunteers of all ages support five partner schools with projects ranging from building classrooms to supporting teacher development.

Develop has partnered with DCCT this year to complete a sustainable project that will provide clean water and sanitation as well as train local people to maintain and sustain the equipment and systems independently for decades to come.

On-demand webinar to find out more

In November 2021, we ran a fact-finding webinar for employers to find out more about the project & also hear why NGN are the first company to commit their support with people, training and resources.

Interested? Contact us today!

Call us on 0800 876 6708 or email marketing@developtraining.co.uk.

   25 November 2021         News

Develop Training is growing! We are thrilled to announce three new training locations for 2022:

• Brentwood
• Birmingham
• Norwich

Brentwood & Birmingham are running courses from January 2022, Norwich will be going live in early Spring 2022.

Courses available to book now

All three centres comprise modern industry-standard workshops, multiple teaching rooms, on-site canteens, free onsite parking and nearby major public transport links.

Download our info pack and find out more about each centres’ facilities and exactly which courses they can accommodate.

Contact us

Call us on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk.

   16 November 2021         News

Companies across the UK are being invited to pool their expertise and join a pioneering project aimed at improving the lives of children and their communities in a remote area of Kenya.

We are inviting volunteers (individuals and/or UK companies) with a host of skills and enthusiasm to join us on this life-changing trip.

Interested?

Join our free fact-finding webinar on Wednesday 24th November to find out more about this incredible project.

   03 November 2021         News

The Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification Level 3 (City & Guilds 2346) is for electricians who have been working in the industry for at least 5 years but have not formally completed an industry apprenticeship or equivalent Level 3 NVQ qualification.

Achieving this qualification shows that you meet the Occupational Standards within the Electrotechnical industry. This can be a great launchpad for a range of careers, from inspection to installation.

What does the Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification consist of?

The Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification Level 3 (City & Guilds 2346) replaces the previous NVQ 2356-99 as the Experienced Worker Route to the Level 3 qualification.

There is no set duration for the 2346 qualification; it is down to the learner and long it will take for he/she to complete a portfolio of evidence and obtain the electrical work needed to complete the targets set by City and Guilds. However, it is expected to take anywhere from 6 months to a maximum of 24 months to complete.

To apply for the qualification, applicants must have at least 5 years experience in the electrotechnical industry and have an up to date Wiring Regulations qualification and an Initial Verification, Inspection and Testing qualification (Develop Training can assist with this).

What does the qualification cover?

This qualification is not one where learners spend most of their time in a classroom or workshop, but is rather completed in a place of work. To be able to complete the qualification learners must be able to evidence electrotechnical competency by completing various electrical installations on site and then have their work assessed by one of Develop’s Assessors.

Once a learner has gained the qualification they will then be able to take the AM2E Practical Assessment at any AM2 centre.

Why do electricians need this qualification?

Electricians who have been working in the electrotechnical industry for over 5 years and have not completed an industry apprenticeship or equivalent Level 3 NVQ, may wish to complete this qualification in order to progress their career.

It is suitable for both employed and self-employed persons within the industry.

The key benefit of this route is that existing qualifications, skills and experience can count towards the qualification and therefore means learners only need to fill in the gaps.

Learners are able to apply for a JIB Grading and ECS Installation Electrician Gold Card upon successful completion of the qualification and AM2E.

   02 November 2021         News

Develop Training has continued its pledge to play a full and active part in helping increase industry diversity after it launched the second cohort of its ‘Women in Utilities’ programme.

This ground-breaking programme offers free training to help women take the next step in their careers.

Develop Training, one of the UK’s leading providers of technical and compliance training for the utility sector and part of the JTL Group, described the issue as having moved to centre-stage in the wake of a series of reports which recognise how the sector’s diversity is below the UK average for gender, BAME and disability.

First launched in 2019

Develop launched its Women in Utilities success programme in 2019, where it offered eight women working in the industry the opportunity to access high quality training, mentoring and support for free.  Despite the pandemic the programme continued throughout 2020 and into 2021. It involved providing each participant up to 15 days’ worth of free training to support their roles and career aspirations.

Few women in a male-dominated industry

Ayisha Khurshid, Business Development Manager at Energy & Utility Skills was one of the first from the launch programme to finish her training and is now a mentor to the new cohort. Ayisha spoke at the induction event about her experiences of being in the industry. She said:

“I really enjoyed my experiences on the first programme and definitely gained some great skills and knowledge. It was a real pleasure to have the time to discuss mental resilience, emotional intelligence and generally have open conversations about what it is really like being female in a very male-dominated industry and more importantly – how we can all play a part in helping redress the balance.”

Help achieving goals and aspirations

Stella Matthews, Hydrogen Development Manager, Northern Gas Networks talked about her experience of being accepted on the programme and what she hopes to gain from it.

Stella said, “It has been a fantastic two days, getting to know the other participants and hearing about everyone’s differing careers and aspirations.  We all have our own goals, mine is by the end of the programme that I understand not only what the operational teams are doing, but also why, to help broaden my knowledge and skill set and enable me to manage my teams more effectively.”

More about the Women in Utilities Success Programme

Nichola Kitching, Key Account Manager and Programme Lead said:

“Our Women in Utilities success programme was the first scheme of its type and its fantastic we are now starting our second cohort of the programme.

According to the Energy & Utility Skills (2021) Workforce Planning Analysis only 18% of the sector is female compared to 47% as a UK average. With the majority of these roles being customer service and administrative we certainly have a long way to go if we are to play our part in addressing the skills gap. We need to make the sector more attractive by making the industry as accessible and welcoming as possible in order that we widen the pool of talent that we recruit from.”

Photo (left to right):

• Nichola Kitching, Develop
• Rebecca Cassie, Engineering Compliance, Network Plus
• Rachel Gray, Project Manager, Energy Assets
• Stella Matthews Northern Gas Networks
• Lindsay McIvor, Engineer, Precision Group
• Sarah Standish, Design Manager (Utilities) Bethell Construction Limited
• Rachelle Hornby, Utility Cost and Revenue Assurance Manager, Ancala Water Services
• Haylea Rawlinson, Sco Writer, Network Plus
• Hayley Arscott, Programme Manager, Ancala Water Service

   19 October 2021         News

Utility companies across the UK are being invited to pool their expertise and join a pioneering project aimed at improving the lives of children and their communities in a remote area of Kenya.

Derby-based Develop Training, one of the UK’s leading accredited providers of compliance, technical, and safety training for the utilities sector, has teamed up with Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) for the Rams in Kenya project.

The project aims to complete a sustainable utility project that will provide clean water and sanitation as well as train local people to maintain and sustain the equipment and systems independently for decades to come.

Northern Gas Networks first to sign up

The first company to sign up to the project is Northern Gas Networks. Training Manager Chris Adair explained: “NGN are committed to providing opportunities for those less fortunate as part of our CSR policy.

“We are fully supportive of this project and are proud to the first utility company to sign up and commit our support with people, training and resources.

“As a company, we are funding three places for colleagues on our apprenticeship programme to take part. We feel it will provide them with the adventure of a lifetime as well as a real opportunity to change lives for the better and, above all, play a part in something amazing.

“We would love other companies in the sector to join us to make a positive and lifechanging impact for these children and their communities.

“Companies can either sponsor employees to take part or encourage individuals to fund raise the cost of their involvement.

“This covers the cost of travel, accommodation and goes towards the materials that will be required to make this project a reality.”

Find out more and join in

Any company or individual interested is invited to attend a virtual briefing session. Please contact marketing@developtraining.co.uk for further information and to express your interest.

   11 October 2021         News

The UK’s leading accredited provider of Compliance, Technical and Safety training has won the prestigious ‘Training Organisation of the Year’ award at the esteemed Institute of Water President’s Dinner and Awards.

The event was held at Boathouse 7 in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard and was packed to the gunnels for the event. The 2021 Annual Conference and Awards, shines a spotlight on successful collaboration in the sector and showcases the very best people, projects, and processes that the sector has to offer.

Phil Beach, CBE, Chief Executive of Energy & Utility Skills presented the awards for Skills and Training, Phil said:

“I am delighted to have presented the Energy & Utility Skills Awards at this year’s event, recognising those companies and individuals who value their people highly and ensure skills and diversity remain an important focus.

Their achievements promote a resilient, skilled, diverse, and sustainable workforce and encourage better long-term outcomes for their organisation, the sector and wider society. Congratulations to all this year’s winners.”

Develop have been instrumental in a training revolution within the water sector

The award win demonstrates how Develop have been instrumental in a training revolution within sector, especially important during the pandemic. With the launch of the first truly blended training course of its kind in the sector, Develop have worked closely with companies from all areas of the utility sector to ensure courses are developed to fit market needs and demands both now and in the future.

National recognition

Following the win, Managing Director of Develop Training John Kerr said “To have received national recognition at such renowned awards for our training is overwhelming for the whole team. They all work tirelessly to create solutions that exceed our clients’ expectations, and this accolade is testament to them all.”

He added “We would also like to thank Energy & Utility Skills and The Institute of Water for the award and for all the work they do for the sector”.

   27 September 2021         News

Utility companies across the UK are being invited to pool their expertise and join a pioneering project aimed at improving the lives of children and their communities in a remote area of Kenya.

Derby-based Develop Training, one of the UK’s leading accredited providers of compliance, technical, and safety training for the utilities sector, has teamed up with Derby County Community Trust (DCCT) for the Rams in Kenya project.

A life-changing project

DCCT annually bring together an army of volunteers to undertake life-changing projects in impoverished areas around Nakuru and the next trip has been confirmed for May 2022. The annual visit to Nakuru sees volunteers of all ages support five partner schools with projects ranging from building classrooms to supporting teacher development.

The next trip will be the first time that individuals with specific utilities’ expertise have been involved.

Providing utility infrastructure to last a lifetime

The plan is to complete a sustainable project that will provide clean water and sanitation as well as train local people to maintain and sustain the equipment and systems independently for decades to come.

Seeking utility companies who want to make a real difference

Develop Training Managing Director John Kerr explained: “As far as we know, this will be the first time that companies across the UK utility sector have come together for such an ambitious international project.

“By pooling expertise, we aim to complete a sustainable project that will make a real and sustainable difference to the whole local community in Nakuru.

“As well as designing and installing the equipment, we aim to provide a lasting legacy by ensuring that local people are fully trained in maintenance and repairs so that they do not have to totally rely on return visits and future support.”

Mr Kerr continued: “Some schools in this part of Kenya have thousands of pupils and only a handful of toilets and no sewage systems. This has a profound effect on all the children, teachers and the wider community but particularly on the older girls who, because of lack of facilities and no sanitary support, miss out on at least a week of school every month.”

Utility & construction workers urgently needed

Paul Newman, DCCT Community Manager continued: “The Rams in Kenya project is always amazing. The joy that it brings to our volunteers, as well as the children and teachers out there, is indescribable.

“Having not been able to return to the area for the past two years, we are looking forward to making the May 2022 project even more impactful.

“We have always been keen to add professionals from the construction industry, as well as those with medical and teaching experience, to complement our pool of enthusiastic volunteers.

“The input from Develop Training and the UK utility sector will hopefully ensure that we can achieve a key objective to bring life-changing clean water and sanitation to the local community.

“Such an undertaking obviously needs to be led by industry experts who will be supported by our volunteers who join us with a host of skills and enthusiasm and who all discover the role they are best suited for during the trip.”

Find out more and join in

Any company or individual interested is invited to attend a virtual briefing session. Please contact marketing@developtraining.co.uk for further information and to express your interest.