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would determine if it was safe for them
to be on the course, or if they would have
to leave and reschedule.
The safety questionnaire and
temperature check were carried out
at the start of every day’s training
and assessment. Any change in the
circumstances or health of a candidate
could result in them being politely
asked to leave the course, for the safety
of themselves and others.
Trainees were all requested to bring
their own PPE to the course, but we also
had stocks to hand out to those who
didn’t bring any to the course.

It is essential for survival then
that businesses find a way to
safely reopen. Commercially,
it will be tough, as with the
best will in the world most
businesses like ours will operate
on a very limited capacity for
some months to come THE TAF BROKE ITS BANKS

The canteen and common areas
were closed to normal use, however,
we stocked the classroom with
refrigerated water bottles, tea, coffee,
milk, etc., the use of which was
controlled by the trainer in the room.
This minimised the risk of mixing
with others at the site. Cups, bottles
and other utensils were largely of the
disposable kind, kept cleared away and
safely disposed of once used.
Trainees were allowed to take breaks
outside, but were advised not to mingle
closely and maintain 2m distance as WIDESPREAD DAMAGE
much as possible.
Enhanced use of technology was Any learning gained is used to improve with some continued financial support
used to project training slides onto the safety and experience enjoyed by towards their salary costs through some
computers on trainee desks, running further groups and put towards the of the time that we operate at limited
live and in time with the trainer’s reopening of our training centres. capacity. No doubt there will be further
screen at the front of the classroom. governmental decisions around all of
Likewise, all questionnaires and IS IT WORTH IT? these matters and at this time we can’t
reference documents were loaded onto The real question is, can businesses foresee everything. So it’s going to be a
the computers on the trainees’ desks such as ours afford not to reopen? difficult time and at best we might barely
to minimise the handling of paperwork Government handouts are welcome, survive. In our opinion though, there
and enhance the modified training but limited. However, a business’s base is no choice; we must give it our best
experience for the trainee. costs continue long after handouts are shot, for our customers, our employees,
At the conclusion of their over. It is essential for survival then ourselves and for the economy as a
training, the trainees would need to that businesses find a way to safely whole. The government will provide
undertake both theory and practical reopen. Commercially, it will be tough, some support, but to be honest, I think
assessments. To do this safely, the as with the best will in the world most our business survival is largely in our
group was further split into smaller businesses like ours will operate on a own hands.
numbers, with all safety precautions very limited capacity for some months
and 2m distancing maintained for the to come. Running at limited capacity Gas Assessment & Training Centre was
duration of their assessments. means a limited income, therefore founded in 2001 and delivers training for
Once all training and assessments we will all have to trim our costs. The over 40 courses covering a spectrum of
were successfully delivered and flexible furlough arrangements being approximately 50 qualifications within
undertaken, the trainees were asked introduced by the government will allow the gas industry. For more information,
to complete a feedback questionnaire. us to make targeted use of our staff, visit www.gasassess.co.uk

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