Autumn 2025 Welcome to Our Autumn 2025 Newsletter! This edition is full of updates from the Pragmatic team, along with key news from across construction, utilities, and training. As ever, our focus is on People, Knowledge, and Performance helping you stay informed and ahead. People Advancing Your Career in Construction First Aid in Construction Knowledge Section 74 Street Works Act Important Updates on CITB Grants & Funding Performance How Trained Staff Reduce Downtime Digital Safety & Site Efficiency www.pragmatic-consulting.co.uk
Welcome to the Autumn Pragmatic Newsletter! We’re pleased to share the latest edition of our newsletter, bringing you key updates from across the construction and utilities training sector. In this issue, you’ll find important news on CITB funding changes, practical insights on how training can reduce downtime, and tips to help you advance your career with the right qualifications. We’ve also included our latest open course dates for this quarter, along with a couple of highlights from recent developments in the industry that impact performance and people on site. Thank you for reading. The Pragmatic Consulting Team What began with one or two delegates soon grew into a thriving training centre, becoming EUSR-approved and trusted by major clients like Murphy. Today, Pragmatic Consulting delivers a wide range of courses nationwide, from EUSR and CSCS to SHEA and safety training. 12 Growth and Milestones Over the past 12 years, we have: • Grown from a one-person start-up into a respected national training provider • Delivered training to hundreds of companies across utilities and construction • Built a dedicated team, including Senior Operations Manager Vicky Jones, who has strengthened our operations and client support. • Adapted through challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, developing new ways to deliver training when it was needed most. People First At the heart of Pragmatic Consulting’s success are its people — from the committed team who deliver training, to supportive family, friends, colleagues, and clients who share our passion for raising standards. “Running your own business is one of the hardest and most rewarding things you can do,” says Jo. “I am truly blessed to have a team and clients who share the same vision for safer, more effective training.” Celebrating 12 Years of Pragmatic Consulting Looking Ahead As we celebrate 12 years, our mission remains clear: to deliver training that makes worksites safer, more compliant, and more productive. Thank you to every client, delegate, partner, and supporter who has been part of our journey. Here’s to the next chapter. A Journey of Growth, Learning, and Purpose This summer marks a proud milestone for Pragmatic Consulting Ltd – 12 years since our Managing Director, Jo Niblett, left the corporate world to build a business with one mission: to make training in the utilities and construction sectors more inclusive, pragmatic, and impactful. From Small Beginnings Pragmatic Consulting started at Jo’s dining room table in 2013. Listening to site teams about the gaps in training, Jo set out to deliver courses differently - flexible, relevant, and focused on real-world needs. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg2 Autumn 2025 Pragmatic Consulting Joins the Confederation of Roofing Contractors We’re proud to share that Pragmatic Consulting Ltd is now an associate member of the Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC) – one of the most trusted associations representing roofing professionals across the UK. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg3 Autumn 2025
Advancing Your Career in Construction: Training and Certification Pathways The UK construction industry is changing fast. New technologies, higher safety standards, and greener building methods mean the skills needed today are not the same as yesterday. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for leadership, the right training and certifications can transform your career. Why Training Matters On a construction site, accidents can happen in seconds – from slips and sprains to more serious incidents involving machinery, working at height, or hazardous materials. That’s why first aid training isn’t just about compliance, it’s about people. Why It Matters Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must provide adequate first aid cover. For construction – a high-risk industry – this usually means more than just one trained person. With skills shortages across construction and utilities, trained workers are in high demand. In fact, many roles require certification just to get on site. Essential qualifications include: • CSCS or SHEA cards – for site access • Health & Safety training – for compliance • Specialist skills – like First Aid, Working at Height, or Asbestos Awareness Two main courses are recognised: • Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – 1 day; suited to lowerrisk roles. • First Aid at Work (FAW) – 3 days; essential for high-risk environments like construction sites. Pathways to Progress Most sites will require at least one FAW-trained person on duty at all times. 1. Entry-Level – Getting Started • Health & Safety Awareness • CSCS Green Labourer Card • SHEA Schemes (Water, Gas, Power) People First, Compliance Second While legal compliance is important, the real reason for training is simple: people’s lives and wellbeing. 2. Mid-Level – Building Skills • NRSWA (Street Works) • First Aid at Work • Manual Handling & Working at Height Good first aid provision means: ✔ Faster response to injuries ✔ Reduced downtime on site ✔Greater confidence and morale among workers ✔ Safer, more supportive workplaces 3. Advanced – Leadership & Management • SSSTS / SMSTS (Supervisor & Site Manager Safety Training • NEBOSH / IOSH Health & Safety • NVQs in Construction Management Why It Matters The Benefits First aid training isn’t just a requirement. It’s a commitment to protecting colleagues, supporting teams, and ensuring everyone goes home safely. For employers: safer sites, stronger teams, and better project outcomes. For workers: higher earning potential, greater security, and clearer progression. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg4 First Aid in Construction: Protecting People, Not Just Ticking Boxes At Pragmatic Consulting, we believe investing in people’s safety is the strongest foundation any project can have. Autumn 2025 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg5 Autumn 2025
Section 74 Street Works Act: What Contractors Need to Know Important Updates on CITB Grants & Funding If you’re a contractor working on public highways, Section 74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) is a rule you can’t afford to ignore. Put simply: if your roadworks overrun, you could face daily fines. CITB has announced changes to how employers can access grants and funding, with a focus on making support simpler and easier to use. These updates will be phased in during 2025 and are designed to help construction businesses upskill their workforce more efficiently. What Is Section 74? Section 74 gives highway authorities the power to charge utility companies and contractors for street works that take longer than the agreed duration, unless there’s a valid reason. The aim is simple; reduce disruption for road users and keep towns and cities moving. Why Do Overrun Fines Exist? Before Section 74, there was little incentive to complete work quickly, and projects often dragged on. The legislation introduced daily charges to encourage better planning and efficiency; protecting drivers, local businesses, and the public from unnecessary delays. How Does It Work? • Notification – Contractors must give advance notice of the works and expected timescale. • Agreed Duration – The authority sets the permitted window. • Monitoring – If work overruns, the authority checks whether there’s a valid reason (bad weather, safety concerns, technical issues). • Charges – If the delay is unjustified, daily fines apply. The rate depends on the type of road and length of delay. What Do Fines Look Like? Costs vary, but major routes and longer delays attract higher penalties. Quieter roads and short overruns are typically charged at lower rates. Are There Exemptions? Not all delays trigger a fine. Emergency works, severe weather, or urgent public safety measures may provide grounds for exemption. The bottom line: understand your Section 74 obligations and keep projects on track — it saves money, time, and disruption for everyone. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg6 Autumn 2025 What’s Changing? • Simplified processes – CITB is streamlining how employers apply for and claim funding. • More flexibility – Support will be available through both direct grants and local Employer Networks. • Ongoing support – The aim remains to ensure that businesses of all sizes can continue to train, develop, and retain skilled workers. What This Means for Training At Pragmatic Consulting, many of our training programmes remain eligible for CITB grants and Employer Network funding, helping to reduce costs for employers. Our eligible courses include: • CITB Site Safety Plus Courses – SSSTS, SMSTS, and refresher training • Street Works (NRSWA) – for operatives and supervisors • EUSR-Approved Training – Cat & Genny, SHEA, and Utility Safety • First Aid at Work – tailored for construction and utilities Importantly, we’ve also seen 100% of our courses funded through Employer Networks, including those not traditionally grant-eligible. This has covered training such as NG Person, NG Competent Person, CDAE, PC Rep, Impressed Voltages, HSG47 HV Subs, and CDM. Why It Matters These changes mean employers can still access vital support to keep their teams trained, safe, and compliant. Whether you need health & safety, compliance, or specialist utility training, there are funding routes available to help offset the costs. For guidance on eligible courses and upcoming training dates, please get in touch with our team. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg7 Autumn 2025
How Trained Staff Reduce Downtime and Boost Performance In construction and utilities, downtime is more than an inconvenience; it directly impacts project performance, costs, and deadlines. One of the most effective ways to minimise disruption is ensuring staff are fully trained and competent for the work they carry out. Why Training Improves Performance • Fewer Mistakes: Skilled workers are less likely to make costly errors, reducing rework and delays. • Improved Safety: Training reduces the risk of incidents, keeping projects on track and avoiding stoppages caused by accidents or investigations. • Efficiency Gains: Staff with the right knowledge can complete tasks quicker and to a higher standard, ensuring smoother project delivery. Performance Spotlight: Digital Safety & Site Efficiency The Rise of Mobile-First Technologies As construction sites become increasingly mobile and complex, digital safety tools are revolutionising how performance, compliance, and productivity are managed on the ground. According to industry sources, UK construction is undergoing a shift toward mobile-first project management platforms, placing powerful tools right in workers’ pockets: Key Advantages: • Real-time oversight: Field teams can submit updates, report incidents, and access documents instantly—no more delays or paperwork bottlenecks. • Safety + compliance in the moment: Digital checklists, safety alerts, and incident trackers keep compliance accurate and auditable. • Smarter decision-making: Site managers get live dashboards showing attendance, training status, and safety performance—spotting issues before they escalate. The Cost of Downtime According to industry studies, unplanned downtime can cost contractors thousands of pounds per day. Whether it’s caused by safety breaches, equipment misuse, or lack of compliance, the financial and reputational impact is significant. These tools aren’t just for administration; they drive tangible performance gains. With real-time data available, teams operate smarter, responses are faster, and downtime is minimised. Training That Makes the Difference At Pragmatic Consulting, our courses are designed to keep teams site-ready, safe, and efficient. This includes: In short, mobile-first safety tech is transforming site efficiency by integrating safety and performance seamlessly into real-time workflows. Well-trained teams don’t just reduce downtime; they boost overall site performance, improve client satisfaction, and strengthen your business reputation. Performance on site depends on preparation. Investing in training means fewer stoppages, smoother workflows, and projects delivered on time. Why It Improves Performance Instant data access • Health & Safety Training – CSCS, SHEA, First Aid • Specialist Skills Training – NRSWA, Cat & Genny, Utility Safety • Leadership & Compliance – SSSTS, SMSTS, CDM Advantage Faster decisions, fewer delays Cloud-based compliance Stronger safety culture, audit-ready Real-time oversight Smarter planning, predictable outcomes Talk to us about upcoming training dates and keep your workforce performing at its best. As the industry embraces mobile-first technology, the integration of safety and performance is becoming seamless—helping contractors deliver projects more efficiently than ever. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg8 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg9 Autumn 2025 Autumn 2025
Utility & Construction Training Courses Our courses are designed to support skill development, ensure compliance with industry standards, and provide practical knowledge that can be applied on the job. Our Utility Construction training courses cover essential areas such as excavation, installation, and reinstatement, offering practical and theoretical instruction to enhance workplace competence. Course Location BESC AME Overhead Lines Stoneleigh Park or Trafford Park 1 Day September BESC AME Substation Stoneleigh Park 1 Day September 12th September 26th October 10th October 24th November 7th £355 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. Courses are available at a variety of locations, depending on course requirements: Stoneleigh Park (SP), Wakefield (W), Trafford Park (TP), or Online (O) 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 4th (TP) £355 Course Location Next available dates Cost EUSR Category 1 - Locate Utility Services & HSG47 Stoneleigh Park or Trafford Park 1 Day CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) October 13th - 17th (W) October 20th - 24th (O) November 10th - 14th (O) 2nd (SP) 15th (TP) 24th (TP) 29th (SP) £200 £170 Online or Wakefield 5 Days September October October October £427 EUSR Category 2 - Implement Safe (Digging) Excavating Practices Stoneleigh Park 1 Day September October 3rd 30th £285 CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme Refresher (SMSTS-R) Online or Wakefield 2 Days October £325 EUSR HSG47 - Avoiding Dangers Underground Services - HV Substations Trafford Park 2 Days EUSR Safe Control of Mains Connection - Water (SCMC Water) Online Half Day EUSR Approved Abrasive Wheels - Mounting and Practical Use of Equipment Stoneleigh Park 1 Day EUSR Approved Manual Handling Stoneleigh Park or Trafford Park Half Day EUSR Endorsed Butt Fusion Welding Stoneleigh Park 2 Days EUSR Endorsed Electro Fusion Welding Stoneleigh Park 2 Days CITB Temporary Works CoOrdinator Training Course (TWCTC) 22nd - 23rd Online 2 Days September 8th - 9th October 13th - 14th November 20th - 21st £410 CITB Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course (TWSTC) Online 1 Day November 19th £265 CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) Online 2 Days October October November November 9th - 10th 20th - 21st 6th - 7th 20th - 21st £267 CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) Online 1 Day September 2nd October 9th November 5th £117 CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) Online 1 Day September 3rd September 11th £187 This is not an exhaustive list of dates, you will find more dates available to book on our website. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg10 Autumn 2025 EUSR Endorsed Gas Detection Stoneleigh Park and Personal Gas Monitor Training Half Day Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg11 September 29th - 30th October 30th - 31st November 20th - 21st October October November September October October November September September September October September October November September October November September October November 3rd 31st 28th 17th 2nd 28th 5th 8th (TP) 16th (SP) 29th (TP) 1st (SP) 15th - 16th 7th - 8th 26th - 27th 24th - 25th 15th - 16th 18th - 19th 26th 17th 20th £345 £240 £250 £80 £695 £445 £136 Autumn 2025
City & Guilds Confined Space Training Courses EUSR SHEA Passport Confined space training courses tailored to meet the needs of professionals across various industries. 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. Course Location City & Guilds 6160-09 - Working in Medium Risk, Entrant & Entry Controller Confined Spaces Stoneleigh Park 2 Days City & Guilds 6160-01 Working in Low Risk Confined Spaces Stoneleigh Park 1 Day Next available dates Cost Online 1 Day EUSR SHEA Water Renewal Online Half Day £435 November Location EUSR SHEA Water September 16th - 17th October 15th - 16th November 12th - 13th Course £280 6th Streetworks / NRSWA Training Courses Our comprehensive range of Streetworks training courses covers key areas such as excavation, reinstatement, and traffic management, Course Location NRSWA Signing Lighting and Guarding (Operatives) Stoneleigh 1 Day NRSWA Signing Lighting and Guarding (Supervisor) Stoneleigh 1 Day NRSWA Signing Lighting and Guarding Reassessment NRSWA Operatives Reassessment Course NRSWA Supervisors Reassessment Course NRSWA Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus (LA Old Unit 1) Stoneleigh or Trafford Park Half Day Stoneleigh or Trafford Park 2 Days Stoneleigh, Trafford Park or Wakefield 2 Days Stoneleigh or Trafford Park 1 Day Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg12 Next available dates September October November September October November September September October October November September September October October November September September October October November September October October November 11th 7th 12th 11th 7th 12th 12th (SP) 15th (TP) 3rd (TP) 10th (SP) 3rd (TP) 9th - 10th (SP) 18th - 19th (TP) 8th - 9th (SP) 13th - 14th (TP) 10th - 11th (SP) 9th - 10th (SP) 18th - 19th (TP) 8th - 9th (SP) 13th - 14th (TP) 10th - 11th (SP) 30th (SP) 16th (TP) 27th (TP) 7th (TP) Next available dates September September October November Cost 16th 30th 29th 27th £195 September 17th October 24th November 7th £155 4th 8th 22nd 26th 29th £195 EUSR SHEA Gas Renewal Online Half Day September September October November 5th 26th 3rd 7th £155 Online 1 Day September September October October October 9th 23rd 2nd 7th 4th £195 EUSR SHEA Power Renewal Online Half Day September 17th October 10th November 21st £155 EUSR SHEA Cross Country Pipelines Online 1 Day September 24th October 21st £215 EUSR SHEA Drains & Sewers Online 1 Day October 9th £195 EUSR SHEA Waste Online 1 Day September 12th £195 EUSR SHEA Telecoms £235 £185 Online 1 Day EUSR SHEA Power Cost EUSR SHEA Gas September September September September September Online 1 Day November £195 £235 £185 £160 £325 £325 18th £185 Autumn 2025 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg13 Autumn 2025
Safe Control of Operations (SCO) Gas Training Courses Technical / Bespoke Training Courses 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. Bellow are a selection of our popular Technical and Bespoke training courses designed to meet the unique requirements in the construction and utilities industries. Course Location EUSR Impressed Voltage Awareness Stoneleigh Park Half Day September 18th October 16th November 13th £335 EUSR - Impressed Voltage for Designers & National Grid Supplier Requirements (SR/234) Overview Training Stoneleigh Park 1 Day November £485 EUSR - Impressed Voltage for Stoneleigh Park Managers & National Grid Supplier 1 Day Requirements (SR/234) Overview EUSR - Impressed Voltage for Managers & National Grid Supplier Requirements (SR/234) Overview & IVDE (ECP/EAP) Training Next available dates Cost 12th Course Location EUSR SCO (Safe Control of Operations) Modules 1, 2 & 5: Core, Permit to Work and Form of Authority (Was previously SCO 1&2) Stoneleigh 1 Day Next available dates September 16th Cost £330 Other Water Courses We are delighted to be able to introduce Butt Fusion & Electro Fusion Welding courses designed to meet requirements of the construction and utilities industries. £485 Course Location September 1st - 2nd October 9th - 10th November 6th - 7th £995 EUSR National Water Hygiene (eLearning) (NWH) (Blue Card) eLearning In your own time £145 EUSR Safe Control of Mains Connection (SCMC) Water Course Online Half day October 3rd October 31st November 28th £240 Thames Water Passport Course Stoneleigh Park 2 Days September 1st October 9th November 6th Online Half day September 11th September 23rd £695 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 National Grid PCSM Supplier Requirements SR/106, SR/107, SR/135, SR/141, SR/163, SR/183, SR/188, SR/234 & SR/241 Awareness Training Stoneleigh Park 2 Days September 18th - 19th October 23rd - 24th CDM 2015 Awareness & National Grid Supplier Requirements (SR/163) Overview Training Stoneleigh Park 1 Day September 17th October 17th November 14th September 15th - 16th November 3rd - 4th £2,494 £2,494 £480 Next available dates Cost Health and Safety Training Courses A selection of our most popular Health & Safety training courses designed to empower professionals across various industries. Course National Grid Training Courses Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg14 Autumn 2025 NUCO - Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) - FAA Level 3 (1 Day Accredited) Stoneleigh Park 1 Day September 8th October 6th November 24th £90 NUCO - First Aid at Work (FAW) FAA Level 3 (3 Day Accredited) Looking for more dates for any of our courses? Check our website! We also have upcoming dates for: Location Stoneleigh Park 3 Days September 8th - 10th November 24th - 26th £330 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg15 Next available dates Cost Autumn 2025
Compliance Training Pragmatic Consulting offers a range of closed courses for Compliance Training. These courses can be scheduled at your convenience, either at one of our training centres or on-site at your location. If there is sufficient interest, we can also arrange open courses to accommodate individual participants. Courses include: • EUSR Endorsed Asbestos Awareness • EUSR Endorsed Fire Warden • EUSR Approved Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Awareness • EUSR Endorsed Gas Detection and Personal Gas Monitor Training • EUSR Endorsed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) Awareness And many more For more information on all courses check out our website: Pragmatic Consulting Names Myton Hospice as Charity of the Year The Myton Hospices is our Charity of the Year. For the rest of 2025, we’ll donate £1 from every eligible course booking to support their vital palliative and end-oflife care across Coventry and Warwickshire. Courses included: • EUSR SHEA Water & Renewals • EUSR SCMC Water • EUSR National Water Hygiene • Thames Water Passport • All C&G Confined Space training • CABWI NCO Water • CABWI NRSWA (Streetworks) Every booking helps us make a difference - thank you for your support. www.pragmatic-consulting.co.uk Find out more at: www.mytonhospice.org To discuss availability or your specific training needs, get in touch: support@pragmatic-consulting.co.uk Proud to Be a National Living Wage Employer Group bookings Did you know... We offer closed courses for any of our training courses, allowing companies to book group training tailored to their needs. These sessions can be delivered at one of our training centres or onsite at your location, providing flexibility and convenience. If you have a team that requires specific training, we can arrange a dedicated course to ensure everyone gains the necessary skills in a focused learning environment. For more details or to discuss a group booking, please get in touch we’re happy to help find the right training solution for your team. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg16 Autumn 2025 Pragmatic Consulting is an accredited National Living Wage Employer. This means everyone working with us—whether directly or through contractors—earns a wage based on the real cost of living, not just the government minimum. We’re proud to stand alongside thousands of responsible UK businesses committed to fairness, respect, and building a stronger workforce for the future. Find out more at: www.livingwage.org.uk Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg17 Autumn 2025
Fleepit Digital © 2021