UK safety training provider Develop Training has been offering tailored programmes to the gas industry in Northern Ireland, through its relationship with gas contractor McNicholas, says the firm.
Its says that central to its success has been its ability to tailor its gas training programmes to suit the four-bar pressure used in Northern Ireland, and its willingness to conduct courses at McNicholas’ premises.
According to Develop Training, McNicholas is the preferred contractor for the two main suppliers of natural gas in Northern Ireland: ‘Phoenix Natural Gas’ and ‘firmus energy’. It adds that typical qualifications include QCF Level 1 in Gas Safety Awareness for operatives, plus Level 2 for more senior staff such as team leaders, with other training courses covering gas-specific elements such as breathing apparatus or emergency procedures.
Natural gas is a hugely popular energy choice in Northern Ireland, but requires particular attentiveness in terms of the training programme because the country’s gas network differs from the mainland UK, explains Develop.
The training firm says they have a wide variety of gas experts amongst their trainers, and can also provide regular support and advice to McNicholas in the form of a Training Needs Analysis, which enables the company to identify gaps and determine course frequency.
McNicholas’ rolling contract with Develop Training covers both courses for new recruits and renewals for existing employees, with the company estimating that around 150 members of staff receive instruction from Develop every year, they say.
