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

   29 June 2023         News

We are thrilled to welcome Ian Cunningham to Develop’s Confined Space team, led by Kate Denial. Ian brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for teaching, making him an invaluable addition to our organisation.

A varied professional background

Ian’s professional journey began right after college when he embarked on a career in the Army, serving as an engineer for an impressive 13 years. During his time in the Army, Ian acquired a life-saving skill: bomb disposal. The importance of this skill led him to extend his expertise beyond military service. He joined the United Nations, where he had the privilege of imparting this crucial knowledge to individuals across Africa. It was during this period that Ian discovered his genuine love for teaching, which ultimately led him to embrace the opportunity to join Develop as a Confined Space trainer.

Confined Space training can save lives

Ian explains, “I really enjoy teaching people new skills, especially those that have the potential to save lives. Becoming a part of the Develop family is a unique experience unlike any of my previous roles; everyone has been very welcoming and I am looking forward to getting stuck in to training delegates and educating them on confined spaces.”

Throughout his career, Ian has enjoyed many highlights but has particularly enjoyed “gaining experience in a range of positions and meeting incredible people from all walks of life across the globe.”

Away from work Ian is a big fan of rugby and enjoys watching it now he no longer plays. He also treasures time with his beloved bulldog, Fudge.

Develop’s Confined Spaces team

Ian will be working alongside Chris Tennant, Joe Cheatle and Richard Kennedy. His exceptional background, combined with his dedication to teaching and enriching lives, makes him an invaluable asset to our training initiatives at Develop. We are thrilled to have him on board, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact he will make in our organisation and within the broader industry.

Find out more about Develop’s Confined Spaces team here: Meet the Confined Space team – Develop Training

Did you know Develop has its own Mobile Confined Spaces Vehicle? Find out more here: New mobile confined spaces vehicle – Develop Training

   29 June 2023         News

We are delighted to inform you that the refurbishment of our Derby Training Centre is almost complete, with only a few minor decorative issues remaining to be resolved. As a result, we have begun the process of reoccupying the centre this week, and we are excited to welcome all our delegates back into the main building.

Here are some important updates regarding the progress made and our plans moving forward:

1. Confined Spaces Area: We are currently undertaking thorough cleaning and repainting of the large mobile confined spaces tank and its surrounding area. For your safety and the safety of others, please ensure you follow the signage provided in this area while this work is being carried out.

2. Access to Carpark: Please note that the main entrance to the carpark will remain closed until the external cladding work is completed, which we expect to be by the end of next week, weather permitting. Kindly continue to use the side entrance until further notice.

As we prepare for your return, we kindly request your cooperation in following any additional guidelines or instructions that may be communicated to ensure a seamless transition. Your safety and comfort are of utmost importance to us throughout this process. All required information will be sent to delegates via their Joining Instructions email.

Finally, we are thrilled to share that the feedback we have received so far regarding the new classrooms and workspaces has been overwhelmingly positive. We will soon be sharing photos and videos of the centre with you, so you can see the exciting changes firsthand.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us on 0800 876 6708.

We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during the refurbishment period, and we look forward to providing you with an enhanced training experience at our upgraded Derby centre.

   28 June 2023         News

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Richard Kennedy to our Confined Space team, led by Kate Denial, here at Develop Training.

Richard’s journey through various professions has been nothing short of remarkable. He began his working life as a soldier, dedicating three years to serving his country. Seeking a change, Richard transitioned into a role as a flight attendant, where he honed his skills over the course of a decade. However, his drive for a new challenge led him to embark on yet another career change, this time as a firefighter.

A varied career history

During his tenure as a firefighter, Richard’s passion for making a difference intensified. He spent six years as an urban search and rescue technician, followed by an additional five years as part of the United Kingdom international search and rescue team. This extraordinary team travelled to disaster-stricken areas, aiding in the search for survivors and facilitating their safe rescue. During this time Richard was also an Urban Search and Rescue Instructor as part of the National Resilience New Dimensions Programme. After an eventful and impactful seventeen years, Richard transitioned to work as a mines rescuer. Now, Richard joins Develop as a Confined Space trainer, bringing his extensive knowledge and unique experiences to our organisation.

A change of pace

Reflecting on his experience thus far, Richard shares, “I am thoroughly enjoying my role at Develop. Having worked in high-intensity and demanding positions throughout my career, I appreciate the relaxed environment here. The people I have encountered have been incredibly helpful and friendly, and I am eagerly embracing this new challenge.”

Outside of work, Richard finds joy in his roles as a husband and father to two young daughters. He cherishes spending quality time with his family, often embarking on walks in the picturesque Lincolnshire countryside alongside their two beloved dogs.

A different perspective on Confined Spaces

We are delighted to have Richard join our team here at Develop. His diverse background will bring a new angle and unique knowledge and expertise to our Confined Space training programmes. This will undoubtedly enrich the learning experience of our delegates and contribute to their comprehensive understanding and practical application of confined space safety.

   28 June 2023         News

Last week, delegates from Compass Group UK & Ireland took advantage of our new mobile confined spaces unit and had their Level 2 Medium Risk Confined Spaces training delivered at their own premises.

Below, three delegates are pictured on top of the mobile unit ready to lower themselves down 3m into 35m of internal tunnels and horizontal shafts.

Congratulations to all those who attended the training and successfully gained their CABWI Level 2 Award in Working in Medium Risk Confined Spaces.

Interested in finding out more about our mobile unit? Find out more here

   22 June 2023         News

Hanna joined Develop Training in December 2022 as an Organisational Development Consultant, in our Cross Industry division. Since then her contributions have solidified her position as a highly valuable member of the team.

Having initially pursued a career as an English teacher, Hanna subsequently transitioned into executive support roles before venturing into the realms of coaching and consultancy, where she has honed her skills for the past five years. One of the notable milestones in Hanna’s journey was her decision to realign her professional trajectory with her true passion, which centres around assisting others in their development while expanding her own expertise.

Demonstrating her commitment to continuous growth and truly practicing what she preaches, in recent years she has obtained a second Master’s Degree in Business and Organisational Psychology.

Hanna explains, “I find great fulfilment in my role and I’m grateful for the opportunity it provides me to share my knowledge of people development and business psychology with others and then watch those people go away and put it into action.”

Outside of work, Hanna is an enthusiastic and dedicated learner who revels in the pursuit of knowledge through studying and reading. Since 2017, she has devoted her time to studying Italian, indulging in annual visits to Italy. Furthermore, she possesses a profound appreciation for fine arts, interior design, and photography, and her active lifestyle includes regular running. Naturally, spending quality time with friends also remains a top priority when the weekend arrives, providing a well-rounded balance to her personal and professional endeavors.

Welcome to the team, Hanna!

   07 June 2023         News

Introducing Russell Mawhinney, the latest addition to Stuart Gilby’s team in York. With an extensive background spanning nearly two decades across various trade industries, Russell has honed his skills as an electrician, specializing in the commercial, industrial, and domestic sectors. His expertise ranges from rewiring centuries-old buildings to constructing state-of-the-art office complexes and everything in between.

Russell’s role as Site Technician will involve providing support to trainers and staff at Develop’s sites in York.

“At Develop I have been greeted with smiles and a warm family atmosphere; it’s probably one of the most relaxed places I’ve ever worked!” explains Russell.

“I have faced many challenges in my personal and professional life over the years but I deal with it, learn from it and then move on. Once I have dealt with it, it is no longer a challenge so I don’t look back and see challenges, I see problems I fixed! This attitude has served me well in my career so far and I look forward to helping the team at Develop overcome some of their challenges too.”

Outside of work, Russell leads a fulfilling life as a married individual with children. He embraces an active lifestyle, finding joy in activities such as mountain walking, cycling, and engaging in sports with his friends.

Welcome to the team Russell!

More about Develop’s York training centre

Did you know our York training centre has recently undergone a major renovation?

We’ve upgraded our classrooms and practical training facilities, opened a brand-new delegate canteen called ‘Utili-teas’ and built a fully to-scale artificial training street. Find out more here.

   05 June 2023         News

Develop Training is excited to announce the launch of its new series of digital e-learning training programmes, accessed via a cutting-edge Learning Management System (LMS) called LEDA. The LMS has been specifically designed to work in tandem with Develops highly regarded BookIT CRM system.

This online content enhances Develops existing range of courses and provides an easy to use, convenient and flexible learning experience, catering to the diverse needs of Develop’s customers.

The initial set of 64 e-learning courses focuses on team development, leadership & management, IOSH, and a range of general health & safety courses from manual handling to fire safety awareness. More categories are set to be added in the coming months through collaboration and feedback from Develops valued customers.

A long history of innovation

When it comes to innovative training courses for the utilities, engineering, and facilities management industries, Develop has a history of setting the standard. In 2021, the company 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 and has just completed the development of a fully to-scale artificial street scene at its York centre. 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.

The way we learn is changing

Matthew Gray, Head of Operations & Training commented “The industries we work with are changing. In today’s market, our customers have seen interruption to business from the effects of COVID19 as well as disruption to supply chain and increased costs. Because of this there has been a shift towards businesses needing to train their employees in a variety of ways.”

“Develop has historically provided on-site practical training – and that will continue to be our main focus. However, following the successful launch of our virtual and blended training programmes, we have worked with industry professionals to develop a range of e-learning courses, many of which are professionally accredited by external awarding organisations. This will allow our customers to choose the delivery methods best suited to their employees’ needs.”

He continued, “These e-learning courses are designed to compliment our existing training offering and will allow our customers to reinforce their employees’ knowledge by providing additional learning opportunities without them leaving the office, home or on-site location. It will also help us all to meet our environmental requirements by delivering high-quality training in a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly way”.

A unique advantage for Develop

John Kerr, Managing Director added “One of the key advantages of Develops e-learning is the ability for employers to incorporate their own bespoke content, tailoring the learning experience to their specific business requirements. This flexibility allows businesses to address their unique training needs efficiently and effectively.”

Develop has been running training programmes since 2007 but has a history of training and assessment stretching back nearly 50 years. As the UK’s leading accredited provider of Compliance, Technical, and Safety training, Develop has successfully trained thousands of people at their state-of-the-art training facilities in Derby, York, Swindon, Linlithgow, Brentwood, Birmingham, Norwich and Manchester.

The launch of Develops e-learning courses, alongside a range of other high level investment projects, marks a significant milestone for the business, as it continues to solidify its position as a leading provider of training solutions. The company remains committed to delivering high-quality training, now combining traditional classroom and practical settings with the convenience and flexibility of digital learning.

Contact us

To start your e-learning journey with Develop, simply visit www.developtraining/digital-elearning and browse the online training portfolio via our brochure or contact our friendly Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 / enquiries@developtraining.co.uk