Door Industry Journal - Summer 2019

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal summer 2019 Industry News Gate Installer Diploma Course from HSL Training going from Strength to Strength Following the last edition of DIJ, Jonathan Aldred, Director of HSL training, updates us on the progress of his Gate Installer Diploma course. Jonathan has been involved in the industry, both as a specifier and trainer, for ten years. The HSL Training, Gate Installer Diploma is for those entering, or already involved in, the installation of gate automation equipment. Conducted over 6 days in total (5 days + 1 day dhf certificate, if required), it offers recognised professional endorsements and qualifications. The course instructs and then proves individual competence in assessing and managing risk associated with the task of specifying and installing gate automation. I am pleased to announce that our dedicated training facility at our new Burton-on-Trent premises - aimed at teaching the key skills required to produce a safe and reliable automatic gate system - is open. The first course went very well. The benefit of a dedicated space, professional welding bays, and indoor full-size training gates was evident. That week was a particularly wet one, and - although it may have been realistic to install automation in those conditions - for a training environment, being in a warm and dry workshop was appreciated by students and instructors alike! Things are moving quickly in the industry at present and this is especially true in regards to businesses wanting to meet their H&S requirements, and provide staff with practical skills, while evidencing the individual’s proof of competence. So, it is extremely satisfying to see all candidates from the course achieve good levels of competence - gaining certificates in Manual Handling, Abrasive Wheel, Working at Height, MMAWelding and Electrical safe isolation procedures. Also, the dhf theoretical training, coupled with the HSL relevant practical training, works very well. The dhf 1-day Automated Gate Safety Certificate, is now attached to an optional level 2 Ofqual accreditation on successful completion of an exam. The requirement to successfully complete the dhf 1 day Gate Safety Certificate as part of the GID framework, is vital in providing the underpinning knowledge of the dhf TS:011:2019 Code of Practice. I now hope that word will spread about the benefits of the course. Since its inception, we have worked with Ellard to promote the Gate Installer Diploma course, and - more recently - with FAAC. All involved agree that our training not only directly benefits the installers who complete the programme, but also end users and the general public through safer Installation practices and improved gate safety. And that can only be a good thing! We will soon offer further City and Guilds welding training and other courses at our Burton-on-Trent facility. 8