Summer 2025 Welcome to Our Summer 2025 Newsletter! We’ve packed this issue with updates from the team at Pragmatic, plus the latest news from construction, utilities, and training. As always, it’s all about People, Knowledge, Performance; and keeping you in the know. People Looking After Your Teams Prioritising Safety in Utilities Construction Knowledge Understanding Electrical Safety in Substations Bridging the Skills Gap Performance Unlocking Staff Potential www.pragmatic-consulting.co.uk
Welcome to the Summer Pragmatic Newsletter! Supporting our local community Welcome back to our quarterly newsletter, where we share the latest from Pragmatic Consulting alongside insights from the construction, utilities, and training sectors; all driven by our values People. Knowledge. Performance. Following our announcement earlier this year, we’re delighted to share that Pragmatic Consulting successfully completed The Myton Hospice Moonlight Walk 2025, and it was an evening to remember! We’re pleased to share that our brand-new Wakefield Training Centre officially opened on 3rd March 2025. Based at: With support from our amazing team and generous sponsors, we raised £1,870 in total, combining staff fundraising with a company contribution. Every pound from the event goes directly toward supporting the vital work Myton Hospice provides to patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses. Pragmatic Consulting Ltd – Wakefield Penny Appeal Campus, Thornes Park, Wakefield, WF2 8QZ 01924 950650 The centre is now up and running and has already welcomed its first delegate. We're continuing to develop the site, with bespoke equipment installations underway to create a fully equipped, state-of-the-art facility. This year’s walk was a landmark event for Myton, having the biggest turnout Myton has ever had for any of their events. Even more impressively, raised the most for any single event at over £231,000. A wide range of courses are already available from Wakefield, including CITB, SMSTS, SMSTS-R, SSSTS, SEATS, Streetworks / NRSWA Training Courses, First Aid, and more. Taking part in such a momentous occasion was incredibly meaningful for our team, knowing first hand the fantastic support Myton provide. The energy on the night was infectious, full of community spirit, shared stories, and a real sense of purpose. We were honoured to walk in support of such an incredible cause and are grateful for the opportunity to give back. Inside this edition: • Expert insight from our consultants • Practical tools to improve knowledge and performance • Updates on training programmes and recent success stories A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed, donated, or cheered us on. Thank you for reading. The Pragmatic Consulting Team Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg2 Summer 2025 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg3 Summer 2025
Pragmatic Consulting Names Myton Hospice as Charity of the Year Proud to Be a National Living Wage Employer We’re proud to announce The Myton Hospices as Pragmatic Consulting’s Charity of the Year. We’re proud to announce that Pragmatic Consulting is now officially accredited as a National Living Wage Employer. This milestone reflects our deep-rooted commitment to fairness, integrity, and respect; values that guide every aspect of our work with clients, learners, and our own team. Following our team’s inspiring experience supporting Myton at their recent Moonlight Walk, we wanted to build on that momentum with a meaningful, long-term commitment. That’s why, for the rest of this year, we’ll be donating £1 from every eligible course booking directly to The Myton Hospices. Every booking made on the following courses will contribute directly to this cause: • • • • • • EUSR SHEA Water and SHEA Water Renewals EUSR SCMC Water EUSR National Water Hygiene Thames Water Passport All of our C&G Confined Space training courses All of our CABWI NCO Water Courses including: NCO1 Water Assistant, NCO2 Water Service Layer, NCO2 Water Main Layer & NCO2 Water Conversion Main and Service Layer • All of our CABWI NRSWA (Streetworks) training courses The Myton Hospices provide vital palliative and endof-life care across Coventry and Warwickshire, offering their services free of charge to patients and families when they need it most. By supporting them through our course bookings, we hope to contribute in a sustainable way to the incredible work they do every day. We’re excited to see how this partnership grows over the coming months, and we thank all our clients, past and future, for helping us make a real difference. The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate based on the actual cost of living. It goes beyond the government minimum to ensure that employees earn enough to meet everyday needs, from household bills to unexpected expenses. By becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer, we guarantee that everyone working at Pragmatic Consulting, whether directly employed or third-party contracted, earns a wage that truly reflects the value of their work. Since our founding in 2013, we’ve been passionate about empowering the workforce of today and tomorrow. As a trusted provider of practical, high-quality training and assessment solutions for the construction and utilities sectors, we’ve always believed that people are the heart of any business. That’s why People, Knowledge, and Performance sit at the core of our ethos. This accreditation underlines our belief that a strong, future-ready workforce begins with fair treatment and recognition. Whether we are delivering hands-on training to national contractors or tailored assessments for independent tradespeople, our commitment to supporting individuals extends beyond the classroom and into the way we operate as an employer. We are delighted to join over 14,000 other responsible UK businesses who are helping to build a more inclusive, equitable economy; one where work is properly rewarded, and people are empowered to thrive. To learn more about the Living Wage Foundation and its mission, visit: www.livingwage.org.uk To learn more about The Myton Hospices, visit: www.mytonhospice.org Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg4 Summer 2025 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg5 Summer 2025
Looking After Your Teams: Why Manual Handling Awareness Matters In physically demanding industries like utilities and construction, manual handling is a daily task, whether it’s lifting equipment, moving materials, or working in confined spaces. But it’s also one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, often resulting in long-term musculoskeletal problems or lost workdays. Prioritising Safety in Utilities Construction In the high-risk environment of utilities construction, safety isn't just a regulatory requirement, it's a fundamental aspect of project success. Recent studies reveal that only 37% of construction workers across Europe feel completely safe on site, underscoring the pressing need for enhanced safety measures. (New Civil Engineer) Building a Culture of Safety Establishing a safety-first culture is paramount. This involves leadership commitment, clear communication, and active employee involvement. Regular training and education ensure that all team members are aware of potential hazards and the importance of safety in every task. (ConstuctionToday.co.uk) Despite its routine nature, manual handling carries risks that are frequently underestimated. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), manual handling injuries account for 17% of all workplace injuries, making it the second most common cause of non-fatal workplace accidents in the UK. Why Manual Handling Training Is Worth Prioritising: Implementing Best Practices Adhering to established safety protocols is essential. Key practices include: • Reduces Injury Risk: Training helps individuals recognise when and how to handle loads safely, reducing strain and lowering the chance of injury. • Supports Long-Term Health: Even small, repeated strains can build up over time. Raising awareness helps workers protect themselves not just today, but over the course of their careers. • Promotes On-Site Efficiency: When teams understand how to work safely, tasks are completed more confidently and consistently, with fewer interruptions due to injury or near misses. • Strengthens Safety Culture: Making manual handling a routine part of safety conversations reinforces a workplace culture where looking after each other becomes second nature. • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensuring all workers have and correctly use appropriate PPE, such as helmets, safety glasses, high-visibility clothing, gloves, and steel-toed boots. • Safety Training Programs: Conducting regular training sessions to keep workers informed about safety procedures and hazard recognition. • Clear Communication: Utilising tools like toolbox talks, signage, and communication devices to maintain effective information flow on site. Leveraging Technology Modern technology plays a crucial role in enhancing safety. Tools like 3D modeling and drones allow for detailed project visualisation and inspection of hard-to-reach areas, reducing the need for manual inspections in hazardous conditions. Tailored for the Realities of the Job In sectors like ours, manual handling awareness isn’t just about lifting boxes correctly. It’s about helping people assess risk in the moment, on uneven ground, in poor weather, or under time pressure. Good training reflects the realities of working environments and focuses on practical, applicable knowledge. Compliance with Standards Adhering to national occupational standards, such as those outlined by Energy & Utility Skills, ensures a structured approach to maintaining a safe working environment. These standards cover aspects like risk assessments, emergency procedures, and proper use of equipment. Keeping your workforce informed and supported is one of the best ways to build a safer, stronger team. Manual handling awareness is a simple step that can make a lasting impact. For further resources, visit the HSE’s guidance on manual handling at work. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg6 Summer 2025 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg7 Summer 2025
Understanding Electrical Safety in Substations: BESC AME Training Explained Bridging the Skills Gap: Addressing Training Challenges in Construction and Utilities It may sound obvious, but electrical safety could hardly be more important. And that’s for a number of reasons, including the risks from burns, fires, property damage and electrocution. So training, and appreciating the potential dangers, from overloaded circuits to faulty wiring, and mitigating them through safe practices, are vital to protect life and property and to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. The UK construction and utilities sectors are facing a significant skills shortage, threatening the delivery of critical infrastructure projects and the transition to a sustainable, net-zero future. Industry reports indicate that over 250,000 additional construction workers are needed by 2028 to meet ambitious targets, including the construction of 1.5 million homes and extensive retrofitting for energy efficiency. What is the BESC AME? The Basic Electrical Competence for Access, Movement & Egress (BESC AME) is aimed at those who work on or near operational plant and equipment in electricity transmission and/or distribution settings, including substations. (If you work in a UK Power Network (UKPN) substation, this qualification is a prerequisite.) And you have to pass the relevant BESC:AME assessment for every work area type you enter. However, you should not confuse BESC AME with the National Grid Substations course – check carefully in advance whether this is the course you actually need. This assessment-only scheme encompasses all the basic requirements to enter, move around and leave the working environment safely. It’s not about learning the skills to complete operational work tasks on the electricity network, such as cable jointing. Those who successfully complete the assessment qualify for certification with the relevant awarding body, and this stays valid for three years from the date of the assessment. So you’ll need to retake it before your certification card expires. The Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR) is a recognised third-party organisation for the construction sector. It develops and manages the BESC AME scheme and makes sure providers with the right policies and procedures in place complete the assessments. They also audit providers to ensure a standardised approach to assessment. Who might need this training? Given that this qualification only refers to the assessment, you’ll need training to have the right knowledge and skill level to sit it, and to be familiar with the appropriate safety procedures and documentation. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg8 Summer 2025 (Financial Times) Factors Contributing to the Skills Shortage • Ageing Workforce: A substantial portion of the current workforce is approaching retirement, with over 35% aged over 50. • Decline in Apprenticeships: Post-Brexit immigration challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a reduction in apprenticeship numbers, impacting the influx of new skilled workers. • Lack of Diversity: Only 15% of construction workers are women, and 6% are from ethnic minority backgrounds, indicating untapped potential in underrepresented groups. (Brabners) Government Initiatives to Mitigate the Shortage To address these challenges, the government has introduced several initiatives: Skills England: A new body aimed at coordinating skills development across sectors. Homebuilding Skills Hubs: Establishment of 32 hubs to facilitate fast-track construction apprenticeships, supported by £140 million in industry investment. The Sun Apprenticeship Reforms: Changes include reducing the duration of apprenticeships for shortage occupations from 12 to 8 months and removing mandatory English and maths exams for apprentices over 19, potentially enabling 10,000 more apprentices to qualify annually. The Role of Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are pivotal in cultivating a skilled and knowledgable workforce: Apprenticeships offer practical experience, allowing individuals to earn while they learn, making the construction and utilities industries more accessible. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg9 Summer 2025
Unlocking Staff Potential: Enhancing Performance from Day One In today’s competitive business environment, getting the best out of your people is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity. Whether onboarding new hires or re-energising existing staff, the performance of your team directly impacts your bottom line. Yet many organisations fall short by treating induction and development as one-time activities rather than ongoing performance strategies. Why It Matters According to the UK’s Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), 38% of new hires leave within their first year, often citing unclear expectations or lack of support as key reasons. Poor onboarding doesn't just affect retention, it significantly delays productivity. Studies suggest that a strong onboarding programme can improve employee performance by up to 70% and increase retention by 82%. Meanwhile, existing employees can plateau without targeted development. Gallup research in the UK shows that only 21% of employees feel their performance is managed in a way that motivates them to do outstanding work. That's a missed opportunity, especially considering how much institutional knowledge and potential already exists in your current workforce. From Induction to Impact The goal of induction should be more than ticking boxes on health and safety. A high-impact onboarding process helps new staff understand not just what to do, but why it matters, giving context to their work, aligning them with company goals, and accelerating their contribution. A few key strategies: • Set clear performance expectations from day one, ideally linked to specific, measurable outcomes. • Assign mentors or buddies to provide informal guidance and feedback in those crucial first months. • Integrate cultural understanding into onboarding, help new hires grasp not just procedures, but the values and behaviours that underpin great performance. Driving Continuous Improvement For existing staff, performance development must be seen as ongoing. Rather than annual reviews that focus on the past, forward-looking performance conversations drive future success. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg10 Summer 2025 Empower your people by: • Encouraging self-assessment and goal setting • Offering role-specific training and development • Providing regular, real-time feedback and coaching Cross-training and secondments can also stimulate engagement, prevent skill stagnation, and make teams more resilient. A Culture That Performs Ultimately, performance is shaped as much by culture as by process. When people feel valued, heard, and supported in their growth, they are far more likely to excel. Leaders must model this by prioritising their teams' development, celebrating progress, and being open to feedback themselves. In short, performance isn’t just about pushing harder - it’s about investing smarter. When you treat staff development as a businesscritical priority, the returns in productivity, morale, and retention speak for themselves. In-House Training for Your Team If you’re looking to upskill a group of employees, in-house training offers a flexible and cost-effective solution. At Pragmatic Consulting, we provide tailored in-house training, allowing your team to learn together in a setting that suits your business. Instead of booking individual spaces on a public course, we create a dedicated training session designed specifically for your organisation - giving you full control over the date and location. Flexible Training Options Depending on your chosen course, training can take place at your workplace, online, or at a Pragmatic Training centre. Find out how more by emailing: support@pragmatic-consulting.co.uk Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg11 Summer 2025
Including courses at our NEW WAKEFIELD training centre Our courses are designed to support skill development, ensure compliance with industry standards, and provide practical knowledge that can be applied on the job. Utility & Construction Training Courses Below are details of some of our most popular open courses available in the coming months. These courses can be booked online and are open to individuals and teams. Our Utility Construction training courses cover essential areas such as excavation, installation, and reinstatement, offering practical and theoretical instruction to enhance workplace competence. Courses are available at a variety of locations, depending on course requirements: Stoneleigh Park (SP), Wakefield (W), Trafford Park (TP), or Online (O) Course CITB Accredited Training Courses Below are details of some of our most popular CITB-accredited courses, designed to support professionals in the construction industry. Next available dates Cost Location Next available dates Cost BESC AME Substation Stoneleigh Park 1 Day June June June June July 13th 20th 23rd 27th 3rd £355 BESC AME Overhead Lines Stoneleigh Park 1 Day June July Aug 30th 18th 7th £355 EUSR Category 1 - Locate Utility Services & HSG47 Stoneleigh, Trafford Park or Wakefield 1 Day June June June July July July 9th (TP) 10th (W) 24th (SP) 17th (W) 21st (TP) 23rd (SP) £200 EUSR Category 2 - Implement Safe (Digging) Excavating Practices Stoneleigh Park 1 Day June July Aug 25th 24th 21st £285 Course Location CITB Temporary Works CoOrdinator Training Course (TWCTC) Online 2 Days June July 5th - 6th 10th - 11th £410 CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) Online 1 Day June July 3rd 24th £117 CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) Online or Wakefield 5 Days June July 9th - 13th (W) 7th - 11th (O) £427 CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) Online 2 Days June 9th - 10th (O) £267 July Aug 3rd - 4th 7th - 8th £345 Stoneleigh Park, Trafford Park or Wakefield 1 Day Trafford Park 2 Days CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) June July Aug 11th (W) 10th (SP) 13th (TP) EUSR HSG47 - Avoiding Dangers Underground Services - HV Substations £185 EUSR Safe Control of Mains Connection - Water (SCMC Water) Online Half Day June July Aug 20th 18th 22nd £240 CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme Refresher (SMSTS-R) Online or Wakefield 2 Days June June Aug 11th - 12th (O) 24th - 25th (W) 27th - 28th (O) £325 CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) - Day Release Stoneleigh or Wakefield 1 Day Aug 12th - Sept 3rd £427 6th (SP) 6th (W) 18th (SP) 18th (W) 3rd (SP) 15th (W) £250 Online 5 Days EUSR Approved Abrasive Wheels - Mounting and Practical Use of Equipment June June June June July July EUSR Approved Manual Handling Stoneleigh, Trafford Park or Wakefield Half Day June June June June June June 4th (TP) 5th (W) 5th (SP) 16th (TP) 19th (W) 19th (SP) £80 This is not an exhaustive list of dates, you will find more dates available to book on our website, with more being added for all training centres soon. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg12 Summer 2025 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg13 Summer 2025
Including courses at our NEW WAKEFIELD training centre City & Guilds Confined Space Training Courses Streetworks / NRSWA Training Courses Confined space training courses tailored to meet the needs of professionals across various industries. Our comprehensive range of Streetworks training courses covers key areas such as excavation, reinstatement, and traffic management, Course Location Next available dates Cost City & Guilds 6160-09 - Working in Medium Risk, Entrant & Entry Controller Confined Spaces Stoneleigh Park 2 Days June 25th - 26th £435 City & Guilds 6160-01 Working in Low Risk Confined Spaces Stoneleigh Park 1 Day July July 9th 23rd £280 Location Next available dates Cost Location Next available dates EUSR SHEA Water Online or Wakefield 1 Day June July Aug 10th (O) 9th (O) 6th (W) £195 EUSR SHEA Water Renewal Online Half Day June July 16th 23rd Online or Wakefield 1 Day 4th (W) 16th (O) 26rd (O) 30th (O) 3rd (W) 7th (O) June July Aug 6th 4th 1st £155 EUSR SHEA Power Online, Trafford Park or Wakefield 1 Day June June July July July Aug 12th (W) 24th (O) 2nd (O) 15th (O) 29th (O) 7th (TP) £195 EUSR SHEA Power Renewal Online Half Day June July 16th 23rd 11th (W) 12th (SP) 8th (SP) 23rd (W) 14th (SP) £235 NRSWA Signing Lighting and Guarding Reassessment Stoneleigh, Trafford Park or Wakefield Half Day June June July 9th (W) 13th (SP) 17th (TP) £160 NRSWA Operatives Reassessment Course Stoneleigh, Trafford Park or Wakefield 2 Days June June June July July 2nd - 3rd (TP) 10th - 11th (SP) 12th - 13th (W) 9th - 10th (SP) 14th - 15th (TP) £325 Stoneleigh, Trafford Park or Wakefield 2 Days June June June July July 2nd - 3rd (TP) 10th - 11th (SP) 12th - 13th (W) 9th - 10th (SP) 14th - 15th (TP) £325 Stoneleigh or Wakefield 5 Days Sept 15th - 19th (W) Sept 22nd - 26th (SP) £730 NRSWA Supervisors Course (LA, S1-S5 & S7) Stoneleigh or Wakefield 5 Days Sept 22nd - 26th (SP) £750 NRSWA Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus (LA Old Unit 1) Stoneleigh, Trafford Park or Wakefield 1 Day June June June July July £185 £195 Onlin Half Day June June July July Aug £155 June June June June July July Stoneleigh or Wakefield 1 Day NRSWA Operatives Course (LA, O1-O5 & O8) Cost Stoneleigh or Wakefield 1 Day NRSWA Supervisors Reassessment Course The EUSR SHEA training courses focus on raising awareness of key health, safety, and environmental issues, helping delegates understand their responsibilities while working on-site or in operational environments. NRSWA Signing Lighting and Guarding (Operatives) June 12th (SP) July 8th (SP) July 23rd (W) Aug 14th (SP) Aug 14th (W) NRSWA Signing Lighting and Guarding (Supervisor) EUSR SHEA Passport Course Course £235 £155 EUSR SHEA Gas EUSR SHEA Gas Renewal Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg14 Summer 2025 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg15 3rd (SP) 24th (W) 30th (TP) 1st (SP) 25th (W) Summer 2025
Health and Safety Training Courses Safe Control of Operations (SCO) Gas Training Courses A selection of our most popular Health & Safety training courses designed to empower professionals across various industries. The Safe Control of Operations (SCO) scheme ensures that individuals working on the gas network are trained to do so safely by understanding gas network procedures and correct permitry. Course Location Next available dates NUCO - Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) - FAA Level 3 (1 Day Accredited) Stoneleigh Park or Wakefield 1 Day June 18th (SP) July 8th (SP) July 9th (W) Aug 4th (SP) £90 NUCO - First Aid at Work (FAW) FAA Level 3 (3 Day Accredited) Stoneleigh Park or Wakefield 3 Days July July £330 8th - 10th (SP) 9th - 11th (W) Cost Bellow are a selection of our popular Technical and Bespoke training courses designed to meet the unique requirements in the construction and utilities industries. Location Next available dates Location EUSR SCO (Safe Control of Operations) Modules 1, 2 & 5: Core, Permit to Work and Form of Authority (Was previously SCO1 &2) Stoneleigh or Wakefield 1 Day Next available dates June June July July Aug 9th (SP) 10th (W) 8th (W) 14th (SP) 11th (SP) Cost £330 Welding Technical / Bespoke Training Courses Course Course We are delighted to be able to introduce Butt Fusion & Electro Fusion Welding courses designed to meet requirements of the construction and utilities industries. Course Location £335 EUSR Endorsed Electro Fusion Welding Stoneleigh 2 Days June July Aug 17th - 18th 1st - 2nd 5th - 6th £445 EUSR Endorsed Butt Fusion Welding Stoneleigh 2 Days July 16th - 17th £695 Cost Next available dates Cost EUSR Impressed Voltage Awareness Stoneleigh Park Half Day EUSR - Impressed Voltage for Designers & National Grid Supplier Requirements (SR/234) Overview Training Stoneleigh Park 1 Day July 12th £485 EUSR - Impressed Voltage for Stoneleigh Park Managers & National Grid Supplier 1 Day Requirements (SR/234) Overview July 22nd £485 Looking for more dates for any of our courses? Check our website! We also have upcoming dates for: July 22nd - 23rd £995 National Grid Training Courses Thames Water Passport Courses EUSR - Impressed Voltage for Managers & National Grid Supplier Requirements (SR/234) Overview & IVDE (ECP/EAP) Training National Grid CDAE/PD Supplier Requirements SR/106, SR/107, SR/135, SR/141, SR/162, SR/163, SR/175, SR/183, SR/188, SR/193, SR/212 & SR/215 Awareness Training Stoneleigh Park 2 Days June Stoneleigh Park July 2 Days Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg16 5th 14th - 15th £2,494 Summer 2025 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg17 Summer 2025
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