Eager to get up-to-speed with the requirements of the 18th Edition regulations, Damien Heath of Heath Electrical (MK), took himself along to a one-day C&G training course at Hager’s Telford HQ. Here he tells us how he got on.
Obviously 2019 is a big year for us electricians, with the updated 18th Edition regulations having come into force from January. Although we’ve read a lot about the new requirements through magazines like PE, it’s important for me and my business that we are qualified and compliant to the latest standards.
Nowadays there is a wealth of training options available – whether it be online-only, theory-based or a combination of both – offered by specialist training companies or suppliers who are experts in their field.
To this end, Hager has been a big presence in helping contractors to understand exactly what’s required (particularly in the areas of surge/circuit protection) and is continuing to lead from the front, offering both one-day and three-day training course options (C&G certified).
Because I was already qualified to the 17th Edition prior to the course, the one-day option was perfect for me, while the three-day course is specifically for those who have yet to qualify to the 17th Edition.
So how did it go?
Firstly, this was my first trip to the Hager Academy in Telford and I must admit that I was well impressed.
The company has clearly invested a great deal of time and money into this facility and it provides the perfect setting to learn from the company’s technical staff.
Prior to the course we were shown around the site, and the schedule of the day was then explained to all delegates.
We were looked after extremely well throughout the day, with stationary provided, a top quality lunchtime buffet to keep the brain and stomach charged, and refreshments available during the course.
In terms of the content delivered to us, this was all theory-based with the only online element involved being the follow-up exam.
I have to say that it is one of the best organised courses I’ve attended – very professional and the fact that we were all sent supporting documentation beforehand proved really useful in helping to better understand the material that was presented to us on the day.
I would imagine that the three-day course is much easier to present in terms of spreading the information across the three days, and I have to admit that it took a fair deal of concentration to take in all of the content that was delivered during this one day offering.
That said, our tutor took things at a steady speed so that everyone could understand the information given and, when questions were raised, they were answered quickly and efficiently.
Essentially the course is designed to help you feel confident when applying the 18th Edition regulations, and I have to say that I learned a wealth of new information throughout.
A number of subjects were covered, including changes to the requirements for surge protection, AFDDs and RCD types, and I found the presenting style to be engaging and informative.
Once completed, the all-important acid test then came in the form of the online exam, which I completed the following day.
This is in multiple choice format and lasts around two hours in total. I’m delighted to say that I managed to pass with flying colours and, although a very proud moment, it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Hager’s training experts.
Although I was a tad nervous before undertaking this one-day course, all of the staff (and other delegates) that I made contact with were incredibly helpful and made the whole experience much more relaxed.
The venue is fantastic, the lunch is top notch, and the learning is not too bad either! If you’re looking to get 18th Edition qualified, I’d highly recommend taking a look into the courses on offer from Hager.
For more information about the one- and three-day C&G 18th Edition courses on offer from Hager visit: www.hager.co.uk
