Autumn 2025 Pragmatic Newsletter: A comprehensive update on Pragmatic Consulting's growth, regulatory changes, funding updates, and training opportunities shaping safer, more productive construction and utilities sites

Overview

The Autumn 2025 edition of Pragmatic Newsletter serves as a detailed briefing from Pragmatic Consulting, drawing together progress across construction, utilities, and workforce development. It highlights the ongoing emphasis on People, Knowledge, and Performance, reaffirming the aim to keep professionals informed about regulatory shifts, funding changes, and practical improvements that can enhance on-site safety, compliance, and productivity. The issue also signals a commitment to sharing timely insights on how training can reduce downtime and how digital tools are altering day-to-day operations. Readers can expect a blend of organizational milestones, industry context, and actionable guidance on open course opportunities and upcoming training dates, all framed by Pragmatic’s 12-year journey and its evolving role within the wider sector. (Pg1)

Growth and Milestones

Over the past dozen years, Pragmatic Consulting has progressed from a modest start-up into a recognised national training provider, expanding its reach beyond initial milestones to serve hundreds of utilities and construction clients. The growth narrative includes building a capable, client-focused team and broadening the portfolio to cover essential safety, health, and technical training. Throughout this period, the organisation has demonstrated resilience—most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic—by innovating training delivery to ensure continuity and accessibility for stakeholders who rely on consistent upskilling to meet evolving industry demands. This trajectory underscores Pragmatic’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality, practical training across the sector. (Pg2)

People First

At the core of Pragmatic Consulting’s success is a people-centric approach, spanning the dedicated training team, support staff, and the broader network of clients, delegates, and partners who share a collective commitment to higher standards. A leadership perspective from Jo highlights the dual challenge and reward of steering a business centred on safer, more effective training. By prioritising people, Pragmatic seeks to foster safer workplaces, stronger team dynamics, and better on-site outcomes, reinforcing the philosophy that successful training is ultimately about protecting lives and enhancing performance. (Pg3)

Celebrating 12 Years

As Pragmatic marks its twelfth anniversary, the organisation reaffirms its mission: to deliver training that makes worksites safer, more compliant, and more productive. The milestone is framed as a recognition of the enduring partnerships with clients, delegates, and supporters who have contributed to the journey. The reflection on twelve years also serves as a call to stay focused on practical outcomes, continuous improvement, and a future oriented toward broader inclusion and impact within the utilities and construction training landscape. (Pg3)

A Journey of Growth, Learning, and Purpose

The narrative of Pragmatic’s development traces back to the founder’s decision to leave the corporate world in 2013 and establish a training centre with a mission to close gaps in industry learning. What began at a dining room table grew into a nationwide operation driven by listening to site teams, understanding real-world challenges, and delivering flexible, relevant training tuned to the needs of utilities and construction sectors. This origin story frames the company’s ongoing emphasis on practical relevance, accessibility, and a culture of continuous learning. (Pg4)

From Small Beginnings

Jo Niblett’s decision to start Pragmatic Consulting was guided by a desire to respond to frontline feedback about training gaps. The early days concentrated on offering training that was not only compliant but also adaptable to the pace and realities of live worksites. The emphasis on practical applicability—courses designed to address immediate site requirements—has continued to shape Pragmatic’s approach, helping to create more flexible delivery models and more targeted content for both utilities and construction learners. (Pg4)

Pragmatic Joins the Confederation of Roofing Contractors

The organisation’s network expansion is marked by Pragmatic Consulting becoming an associate member of the Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC), a body known for representing roofing professionals across the UK. This affiliation signals an alignment with a respected industry stakeholder group and enhances Pragmatic’s ability to connect with a broader professional community, share best practices, and access additional resources to support competency and standards across related trades. (Pg4)

First Aid in Construction: Protecting People, Not Just Compliance

First aid training on construction sites is framed as a crucial safety imperative rather than a mere regulatory checkbox. The content emphasises that timely, competent first response protects workers, reduces downtime, and supports morale. It outlines the core qualifications that typically enable on-site access and safety compliance—such as CSCS and SHEA cards—alongside essential safety training. Two primary pathways are highlighted: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) for lower-risk roles and First Aid at Work (FAW) for high-risk environments, with the recognition that many sites require multiple trained individuals on duty at all times. (Pg5)

Paving Pathways to Progress: Training Levels

To structure career progression and on-site safety coverage, Pragmatic outlines three progressive levels of training: entry-level for foundational awareness and access, mid-level for a broader skill set including street works, manual handling, and working at height, and advanced leadership for supervisory and management safety competencies. The progression framework emphasizes not only regulatory compliance but also practical benefits such as improved response times, better team coordination, and enhanced safety culture across projects. (Pg5)

Why It Matters: The Value of First Aid on Site

Beyond regulatory compliance, first aid training is framed as a strategic investment in workforce welfare and operational continuity. The benefits highlighted include quicker incident response, reduced downtime, higher worker confidence, and safer, more supportive work environments. By ensuring that a trained cadre exists on every shift, employers can sustain productivity, minimize risk, and demonstrate a tangible commitment to protecting their teams. (Pg6)

Section 74 of NRSWA: What Contractors Need to Know

Section 74 provides highway authorities with the authority to levy daily charges on utility firms and contractors when street works overrun the agreed timeframe, with the goal of minimizing disruption to road users. The guidance delineates how overrun monitoring works, the criteria used to determine validity of delays, and the scale of penalties which vary by road type and duration. Understanding these rules is essential for planning, scheduling, and avoiding unnecessary costs, as well as for communicating risks and contingencies to stakeholders. (Pg5)

Fines for Overruns: What to Expect

Fines associated with overruns are described as variable, with higher penalties applied to major routes and extended delays. Quieter roads and shorter overruns generally attract lower charges. While the framework is designed to incentivize timely completion, exemptions exist for emergencies, severe weather, or urgent public safety measures, underscoring the need for clear justification and proper documentation when delays occur. (Pg5)

What Does Section 74 Mean for Training and Compliance?

Recognising the compliance implications, Pragmatic notes that many of its courses continue to be eligible for CITB grants and Employer Network funding, helping to offset training costs for employers. The portfolio includes Site Safety Plus courses (SSSTS, SMSTS and refreshers), Street Works (NRSWA) for operatives and supervisors, EUSR-Approved Training for relevant utilities, and First Aid at Work tailored to construction and utilities contexts. The message emphasises ongoing funding routes that enable organisations of all sizes to upskill their workforce efficiently. (Pg6)

Funding Flexibility and 100% Employer Network Coverage

An important development highlighted is the expansion of funding flexibility, with CITB introducing simplified application and claim processes, plus support available through direct grants and local Employer Networks. Pragmatic reports that, in some cases, Employer Networks have funded training beyond traditional grant-eligible courses—covering a broader range of capabilities and roles. This development is positioned as a meaningful way to sustain upskilling and keep teams compliant and capable in dynamic work environments. (Pg6)

What This Means for Training at Pragmatic

The newsletter confirms that Pragmatic’s course suite remains eligible for available funding routes, including CITB grants and Employer Network support. It also highlights the availability of courses and the potential for funding to reduce costs for employers seeking to maintain a skilled, safe, and compliant workforce across utilities and construction. Delegates and employers are encouraged to contact Pragmatic for guidance on eligibility and upcoming training dates to maximise funding opportunities. (Pg6)

Performance: How Trained Staff Reduce Downtime

On project performance, the narrative links trained staff directly to reduced downtime, fewer errors, and improved adherence to safety and quality standards. Well-trained teams are positioned to respond to challenges with competence, maintain productivity, and support smoother project delivery. The discussion emphasises that investment in training yields tangible returns through fewer mistakes, faster rework resolution, and a more resilient workforce capable of sustaining performance across busy periods. (Pg7)

Digital Safety and Site Efficiency: The Mobile-First Shift

The piece underscores the shift towards mobile-first safety technologies that empower real-time safety management and adherence to compliance protocols. Field teams can submit updates instantly, access necessary documents, and receive safety alerts on the go. Live dashboards enable managers to monitor attendance, training status, and safety performance, enabling proactive decision-making and issue resolution before they escalate. This digital approach is framed as a core driver of site efficiency and safer, more transparent operations. (Pg7)

The Cost of Downtime and the Role of Training

Industry data cited in the newsletter highlights the steep cost of unplanned downtime, which can erode project margins and compromise delivery schedules. The message reinforces that proactive training and readiness reduce the likelihood of safety breaches, equipment misuse, or non-compliance events that trigger stoppages. By equipping teams with the right knowledge and skills, projects can proceed with fewer interruptions, boosting client satisfaction and protecting reputation. (Pg7)

Training That Makes a Difference: Course Design for Site Readiness

Pragmatic’s courses are presented as specifically designed to keep teams prepared, safe, and efficient on-site. The curriculum focuses on practical application, combining essential health and safety training with discipline-specific skills (such as street works, gas safety, and electrical safety) to ensure that workers can perform tasks correctly and safely in real-world conditions. The overarching aim is to support continuous improvement in site performance through targeted, on-demand learning. (Pg7)

Open Courses: Utility and Construction Training Offerings

The Autumn 2025 lineup features a broad range of open courses tailored to utility and construction professionals. The offerings cover critical areas of excavation, installation, and reinstatement, delivered across multiple locations and formats to accommodate varying schedules. Prospective delegates can book online, with options including on-site venues such as Stoneleigh Park and Wakefield, as well as online formats to suit remote learners. The emphasis is on practical knowledge that can be immediately applied on the job. (Pg9)

Course Locations and Availability

Open courses are scheduled across several venues, including Stoneleigh Park, Wakefield, and Trafford Park, with online options available. The schedule showcases a mix of one-day sessions and longer trainings, designed to fit diverse operational needs. Availability is presented as flexible, with multiple forthcoming dates to accommodate different cohorts and organisational timelines. This structure ensures that teams can access up-to-date, compliant training in a timely manner. (Pg9)

CITB-Accredited Training Courses Snapshot

A detailed snapshot of popular CITB-accredited courses is provided, highlighting the range of options from safety management training to practical construction skills. The information includes next available dates and current pricing for courses such as SMSTS, HSA, and NRSWA-related modules, with delivery modes spanning online and in-person formats. The emphasis remains on practical, industry-relevant content that supports both individual career progression and project-level safety and compliance. (Pg9)

EUSR, Confined Space, and Related Safety Training

The Autumn 2025 content also features a spectrum of EUSR-certified and related safety programs, including confined space training (Working in Medium and Low Risk Confined Spaces), SHEA courses, and gas detection. Details cover course names, locations, and delivery formats, underscoring Pragmatic’s capability to deliver a broad safety training portfolio across multiple sites. This breadth helps organisations align safety training with specific site requirements and regulatory expectations. (Pg12)

Streetworks/NRSWA Training: Core and Reassessment Modules

The Streetworks training section outlines a comprehensive suite of NRSWA courses, including operative and supervisor tracks, reassessment options, and risk-aware modules such as LA Old Unit, signing, lighting and guarding, and methods to avoid underground apparatus. The program is designed to support ongoing competence, with subsequent reassessment opportunities to ensure skills remain current in a dynamic construction environment. (Pg12)

Upcoming Dates, Locations, and Booking Details

The catalog presents next available dates across multiple locations with clear cost information, offering a practical path for individuals and teams to secure training slots. The schedule includes a variety of course types and durations, with price points and delivery locations listed to help organisations plan budgets and align training with project timelines. (Pg12)

Specialty Safety and Technical Training: Cross-Border and Industry-Specific Options

In addition to core safety and street works, Pragmatic highlights cross-country and domain-specific modules, including gas detection, high voltage safety, and specialized engineering topics. These offerings are positioned to support organisations operating across different jurisdictions or requiring advanced competencies to meet sector-specific safety and performance standards. (Pg13)

Continued Commitment to Access and Quality in Training

The Autumn 2025 edition closes by reaffirming Pragmatic’s ongoing commitment to accessible, high-quality training that aligns with industry developments and regulatory expectations. The content communicates a clear intention to help employers manage costs through funding routes, expand staff capabilities through diverse course options, and maintain a culture of continuous improvement that benefits both people and performance on site. (Pg13)

Closing Note: Engagement with the Pragmatic Community

As the newsletter wraps, Pragmatic emphasises ongoing engagement with clients, delegates, and partners, inviting feedback and inquiries about upcoming open courses, funding eligibility, and tailored training solutions. The overarching aim is to support safer worksites, compliant operations, and enhanced productivity through well-designed, accessible learning pathways that reflect the realities of modern construction and utilities environments. (Pg13)

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