03 April 2023 Blogs
Who are Develop’s Confined Space team?
Develop currently have two confined space trainers – Joe Cheatle and Chris Tennant. Both these highly qualified trainers are able to deliver a range of confined space training courses and provide support to delegates.
Joe Cheatle joined Develop Training in September 2022 but began his career working for Mines Rescue where he worked for 5 years. Joe has brought with him an in-depth knowledge of safety in low, medium and high risk confined spaces as well as his TAQA and Institution of Occupational Safety and Health qualifications as well as being First Aid trained. During his time at Mines Rescue Joe gained experience writing risk assessments and providing rescue solutions to industrial service companies with access and safety problems.
Chris Tennant joined Develop 8 years ago in November 2014. He has worked in the water industry all his career – he has been contracted to Thames Water, Seven Trent, Scottish Water and many others. Chris has a deep understanding of all confined spaces as well as all important industry experience. Chris has his TAQA, AET and Lantra qualifications as well as being first aid trained. Chris has further worked on a major contract, with an influential company giving management, planning and other teams training about how Confined Space work should be undertaken and the qualifications required for their staff to use the areas.
How are Develop’s Confined Space courses delivered?
Joe said this about his delivery style;
I like to mix theory with the practical side of the subject as it’s helpful to the delegates to introduce equipment gradually as the course progresses as I find the majority of learners like the hands-on side as it really helps to cement their understanding of the content. I also like to utilise Q&As and different classroom teaching techniques to keep learners engaged and will often use the whiteboard to talk through different topics.”
Chris added;
I like to create a relaxed environment as I’ve found relaxed people learn better in less pressurised environments. Confined Spaces is a growing industry and one that more companies are, rightly so, taking training seriously. I’ve also seen a noticeable increase in online training for the theoretical side of our courses.”
But what do they enjoy about being a confined spaces trainer?
Chris said;
For me it’s meeting people. I really enjoy talking to delegates and passing on the knowledge I have gained through my experience. I take pride in passing on my skill set to the next generation of tradespeople.”
Joe further expanded with;
Being able to teach people something they need to further their career is what gives me job satisfaction as I really do enjoy helping people.”
Kate Denial, Operations Manager for Cross Industry training at Develop Training explains;
Joe and Chris are great assets to my team. They’re dedicated and passionate about making sure training is done right. They’ve both received fantastic feedback from delegates and we’re proud to have them as part of the Develop family.”
Further information & resources
Find out more about our Confined Space Mobile Unit
View our full range of confined space training courses
Take a look at our 20-point checklist for producing a safe system of work in confined spaces
Pictured, left to right: Chris Tennant, Kate Denial, Joe Cheatle.
