477 Engineer courses in Swanage

What do engineers and project managers need to know of finance? 'Nothing - leave it to the accountants!' No, no, no! Engineers must be conversant with the terminology and statements that accountants use. Technical expertise in projects, service delivery, production or other areas can only really be harnessed if the managers understand the accounting and reporting that drives businesses. This course gives the necessary understanding to project, production and technical managers. It develops their skills in understanding financial and management accounting. Accountants may not always like it but a major part of their work is to be the 'servants of business' and to gather, compile and present your figures. So you must understand the figures - they belong to you, your processes or projects. There are many reasons for maintaining accurate accounts. This course focuses on the strategic issues (those over-used words) - what figures reveal about the drivers of business and what they reveal about the day-to-day issues that accountants bother you with. The course will enhance your understanding of finance and of the accounting issues which affect your projects, production and technical areas of business. This course will help you: Understand the business world in figures - make sense of what the accountants are telling you Appreciate what drives business - and how this affects your role in your part of the business Relate your activities to the success of the business - through figures Gain the skills to advance in management - financial awareness is a 'must have' if you are to progress in your career 1 What do accountants do? The finance function, types of accountant, financial v management accounting and the treasury function Understanding the role of the finance function and how the information you provide may be used 2 The basic financial statements Balance sheets and income statements (P&L accounts) What they are, what they contain and above all what they can reveal - how to read them The accounting process - from transactions to financial statements What underpins the statements - accounting systems and internal controls 3 Why be in business - from a financial perspective The driving forces behind financial information Performance measures - profitability, asset utilisation, sales and throughput, managing capital expenditure 4 Accounting rules - accounting standards Accounting concepts and the accounting rules: accruals, 'going concern' - substance over form and other 'desirable qualities' Accruals - why the timing of a transaction is so important to the finance function Depreciation and amortisation - the concepts and practice Accounting standards - the role of International Financial Reporting Standards 5 Cash The importance of cash flow - working capital management Cash flow statements - monitoring overall cash flows Raising cash - levels of borrowing, gearing Spending cash - an outline of capital expenditure appraisal 6 Budgeting Why budget? - good and bad practice Determining why budgets play a key role and should not be simply an annual ritual Justifying your budgets - the link between the strategic plan and day-to-day budgeting - alignment of company culture Budgets as motivators - the importance of the right culture Techniques to improve budgeting - whether day-to-day or capital budgeting 7 Costing The type and detail of costing very much depends on your business - eg, manufacturing piston rings is quite different from the construction of a power plant Issues with overhead allocation Accounting for R&D 8 Reading financial statements Annual financial statements - why they are produced, what's in them and what you should look for Learning what a set of accounts reveals about a company's current situation, profitability and future prospects 9 Performance measurement - analytical reviews and ratio analysis ROI/ROCE Profitability, margins and cost control Sales - asset turnover Efficiency (asset / stock turnover, debtor / creditor days) 'City' measures Investment (interest / dividend cover, earnings per share, dividend yield)

M&O of engineering plant and services is becoming more important to the success of the core business. To select the right M&O technique for specific plant and equipment it is necessary to know what options are available, what they deliver and how they should be implemented. This course will help you consider options and techniques that provide best value based on that thorough understanding of the business need. M&O will increasingly be required to demonstrate it is delivering the optimum of cost and value and the main purpose of the course is to show how this can be achieved. Note: this is a purely indicative list of topics that can be covered. The content, duration, objectives and material used would all be adapted to match your specific requirements. This course will help you: Determine what the business needs from the M&O service Determine the cost and value of the various M&O options Prepare and present the business case for the selected M&O strategy Introduce meaningful KPIs based on performance-based service by the M&O provider Undertake a review of current M&O and make recommendations for improvement Introduce energy and carbon management performance criteria in M&O Better deal with project risk and uncertainties Motivate others to deliver a reliable and cost effective M&O service Note: this is a purely indicative list of topics that can be covered. The content, duration, objectives and material used would all be adapted to match your specific requirements. 1 What is maintenance and what is operation? - their relative importance to the business 2 Comparison of the various maintenance options and techniques, including: Planned preventative Run to failure Condition monitoring Business focused Business critical Total productive Reliability centred maintenance 3 Forms of contracts and service, including: Comprehensive Input driven Output driven Limited replacement Performance based M&O 4 Selecting the right options and making the business case 5 Continuous commissioning as a tool for delivering best value 6 Case studies

This course covers all relevant legislation affecting safe working in the building, construction...

This course provides a basic understanding of health & safety duties and responsibilities...

This very practical and focused one-day workshop enables end-users, technical experts, proponents, internal customers and other key stakeholders to work with procurement and contracting to develop effective specifications and scopes of work, to ensure fit-for-purpose outcomes. The programme empowers participants to collaborate with all key stakeholders. This workshop will help participants: Understand the importance and value of clear and effective specifications Differentiate between the different methods of creating specifications and when to apply them Develop robust specification templates to ensure consistency Understand the use of appropriate language (critical to creating effective specifications) Appreciate the need to develop specifications in cooperation with stakeholders Make use of techniques such as value analysis and value engineering to define 'fit for purpose' in the context of creating effective specifications Embed key KPIs into the specification to ensure delivery Manage and mitigate legal and contractual risks in the specification 1 Introduction Learning outcomes Learning styles Plan for the day 2 The importance of effective specifications Scopes of work Impact of poor scopes of work Examples of costly errors 3 The critical role of language Terminology in creating effective specifications and scopes of work Problems of communication Lack of detail or too prescriptive 4 Encouraging cooperation Technical and commercial experts with responsibility for developing robust effective specifications and scopes of work Managing stakeholders' expectations Working with contractors 5 Types of specification Exploring and using the various approaches to the development of appropriate specifications and scopes of work Output Performance Technical Functional Solutions-based 6 The role of value analysis Value engineering in the process of developing scopes of work and specifications 7 Specifications and contracts The legal and contractual impact of poor specifications and scopes of work How to embed scopes of work and specification outputs into tender and quotation documents 8 Specifications as a management tool Developing KPIs and SLAs framed around robust effective specifications and scopes of work Negotiating with contractors Negotiating with stakeholders

The aim of this course is to provide project managers, project engineers and project support staff with a toolkit they can use on their projects. The tools range from the simple that can be used on all projects to the advanced that can be used where appropriate. This programme will help the participants to: Identify and engage with stakeholders Use tools for requirements gathering and scope management Produce better estimates using a range of techniques Develop more reliable schedules Effectively manage delivery DAY ONE 1 Introduction Overview of the programme Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Stakeholder management Using PESTLE to aid stakeholder identification Stakeholder mapping The Salience model Stakeholder engagement grid 3 Requirements management Using prototypes and models to elucidate requirements Prioritising techniques Roadmaps Requirements traceability 4 Scope management Work breakdown structures Responsibility assignment matrix 5 Delivery approaches Sequential Agile 6 Estimating Comparative estimating Parametric Bottom-up Three-point estimating Delphi and Planning Poker Creating realistic budgets DAY TWO 7 Scheduling Critical path analysis Smoothing and levelling Timeboxing Team boards Monte Carlo simulations Probability of completion 8 People management Situational Leadership The Tuckman model Negotiation Conflict management Belbin 9 Monitoring and control Earned value management 10 Course review and action planning Identify actions to be implemented individually Conclusion PMI, CAPM, PMP and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

Where should management effort be directed? In controlling costs and ensuring proper engineering in live projects? - yes, of course, but true cost control comes by understanding, eliminating and minimising risk prior to a business committing any funds. This course studies the stages required for practical financial and business appraisals of projects and capital expenditure. This course has two primary objectives: To impart the knowledge and skills required to ensure as risk-free as possible expenditure of that scarce resource, cash - the investors', governments' or shareholders' money must not be squandered To improve the quality of the appraisal process in the widest sense - demonstrating how the process of project and capital expenditure appraisal can be used to dramatically improve cost control and deliver as risk-free as possible expenditure As a result of the course, participants will be able to: Understand the economics of appraisal Be in control of their projects from the start Understand the economics of their projects - and devise the most appropriate mode Carry out sensitivity analysis and identify risk Improve their methods of appraisal and approach Focus on the risk areas and take out risk and control costs before they over-run The benefits of attending this course will be demonstrable from day one. Thorough appraisals and risk assessment follow through to success in project management and detailed cost control and project management. 1 Introduction Why appraise? Taking risk out of investment The short- and long-term results of not appraising business expenditure 2 Developing an appraisal process The process - overall and stage-by-stage objectives Understand business and technical risks Manage resources and time Do you invest enough time and effort at this stage? Take out the risks - control costs before you are committed to contracts and action Checklists 3 Appraisal arithmetic Review of the arithmetic of appraisalThe time value of moneyThe effects of different interest or required ratesThe effects of inflation (or deflation) in prices and costs Understanding the economics of appraisal is essential 4 Appraisal measures Meaning and use of appraisal measures Identifying the most appropriate measures for your particular business Payback Discounted cash flow measures - NPV and IRR Other measures - FW, AW, Profitability Index The meaning of the measures and their application in practice 5 Cost benefit analysis The effect on decision-making of more intangible benefits Cost benefit analysis Ensuring costs are genuine Measuring intangible benefits Environmental issues Consideration of intangible benefits in the appraisal decision-making process 6 Developing appropriate models Developing models - examples of spreadsheet models and measures for many different situations Modelling investment opportunities - summarising outcomes Sensitivity analysis - identifying, quantifying and taking out risk 7 Developing an appraisal process The process - managing risk from the outset Using the process in risk management, negotiating and project management Take out risk by thoroughly knowing your project - developing your own process

Businesses that don't control their costs don't stay in business. How well are you doing? Is everyone in your organisation sufficiently aware of costs, managing them effectively and maximising opportunities to reduce them? If there is scope for improvement, this course will help get you back on track. It will demonstrate that cost reduction is so much more than cost control and cost cutting. True cost management is about being aware of costs, seeking to reduce them through good design and efficient operating practices whilst taking continuing action on overspending. This course will develop the participants' skills in: Being aware of costs at all times Seeking cost reduction from the start (including life-cycle costing) Appraising projects / production to identify and take out risk Understanding real budgeting Using techniques such as ZBB and ABC where appropriate Ensuring cost reports lead to action Managing a cost reduction process that delivers Benefits to the organisation will include: Identification of cost reduction and business improvement opportunities Better reporting and ownership of costs Greater awareness and control of everyday costs 1 Introduction - the cost management process The risks of poor cost control Capital and revenue costs The importance of cost awareness The importance of cost reduction Cost management - the key aspects How to build a cost management and control process checklist for your areas of responsibility 2 Cost removal - taking out costs Cost awareness Costs of poor design / poor processes Value engineering Removing redundant costs 3 The need for commercial, technical and financial appraisals Understand the problems before cash is committed and costs incurred Making the effort to identify commercial and technical risk The time value of money - DCF techniques for long term projects Cost models for production processes and projects Costing models - project appraisals The use of spreadsheets to identify sensitivity and risk How to focus on risk management 4 Budgeting - proper budgeting challenges costs The philosophy of the business - are costs an issue? The importance of having the right culture The need for detailed business objectives Budgetary control measures Designing budget reports - for action 5 Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) - the principles Much more than starting with a clean sheet of paper What ZBB can achieve The concept of decision packages - to challenge business methods and costs Only necessary costs should be incurred A review of an operating budget - demonstrating what ZBB challenges and the costs it may lead to being taken out 6 Awareness of overheads and other costs Definitions of cost - direct and indirect Dealing with overheads - what is meant by allocation, absorption or apportionment? The apparent and real problems with overheads Different ways of dealing with overheads Review of overhead allocation methods and accounting and reporting issues 7 Overheads and product costing Activity-based costing (ABC) - the principles Where and how the ABC approach may be helpful Know the 'true' cost of a product or a project Should you be in business? Will you stay in business? Identifying weaknesses in a traditional overhead allocation How ABC will help improve product or service costing Identifying which products and activities should be developed and which abandoned 8 Cost reduction culture The need for cost reports What measures can be used to identify over-spends as early as possible Cost control performance measures and ratios 9 Design of cost control reports Reports should lead to action and deliver Selecting cost control measures which can be acted upon Practice in designing action reports 10 Course summary - developing your own cost action plan Group and individual action plans will be prepared with a view to participants identifying their cost risks areas and the techniques which can be immediately applied to improve costing and reduce costs

REFERENCE CODE 600/6515/1 COURSE LEVEL NVQ Level 2 THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN Course Overview This qualification is at Level 2, although some units may be at different levels and should be taken by those who are fully trained to deal with routine assignments. Candidates should require minimum supervision in undertaking the job. The qualification has been developed in a way to allow employees from companies of all sizes and specialisms equal opportunity to complete. This qualification is specifically aimed at those carrying out general construction operations work; there is a Level 2 qualification for those involved in maintenance along with a suite of specific qualifications in a wide range of construction occupations available.

NPORS Cat And Genny Training or Cable Avoidance Training Prioritising the safety of underground utilities in construction and excavation projects is essential, necessitating comprehensive Cat and Genny training. In these sessions, workers receive education on operating Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny), Cat and Genny. The Cat and Genny use electromagnetic signals to detect buried cables and pipes before digging commences. Through comprehensive Cat and Genny training, workers become proficient in using CAT and Genny equipment, enabling them to accurately map out the locations of underground infrastructure. This proactive approach not only enhances on-site safety but also contributes to efficient project management by minimising the risk of accidental damage and costly delays. The aim of the NPORS Cat & Genny Training is to Provide training in Cable Avoidance and Service Location (Cat and Genny).The Cat and Genny Course is designed for any person working on the roads, setting out before a build, surveying and any others who may be excavating an area where pipes or cables may be buried underground. Price Match Promise Book with Confidence at Vally Plant Training At Vally Plant Training, we guarantee unbeatable value with our Price Match Promise. When you choose us for your Cat and Genny Course, you can book with confidence, knowing that we will not be beaten on price. If you find a lower price for the same NPORS Cat And Genny Course, we’ll match it—ensuring you receive top-quality training at the best possible rate. Your skills, our commitment—always at the best price. CAT & GENNY Training is designed for construction professionals and workers involved in excavation who need to operate Cable Avoidance Tools and Signal Generators. This training is ideal for individuals who have prior experience in excavation but require formal instruction on the safe and effective use of these specific tools to prevent accidental damage to underground services. Participants should have a basic understanding of excavation work, and if unsure of their eligibility for this advanced training, are encouraged to contact our training coordinators for more information. The CAT & GENNY training program is divided into two main sections: a theoretical module and a practical application module. The theory part covers the principles of operation, safety procedures, and risk assessment associated with underground utility detection. The practical module provides hands-on experience with both the Cable Avoidance Tool and Signal Generator, emphasising field techniques and problem-solving. Upon completion of the Cat And Genny course, participants will receive comprehensive revision materials to reinforce key concepts covered during the training. Introduction to CAT and Genny Training CAT and Genny , also referred to as CAT & Genny or CAT and Genny Training, are essential tools used in the construction and utility sectors to help locate and avoid underground cables and pipes during excavation works. CAT, which stands for Cable Avoidance Tool, is designed to detect signals naturally emitted by metallic services like electrical cables. Meanwhile, the Genny, short for Signal Generator, is used alongside the CAT to apply a signal to underground utilities that do not naturally emit detectable signals, such as telecoms or fibre . Understanding how to operate these tools is crucial for anyone involved in excavation. Proper use of CAT and Genny can prevent costly and dangerous errors, such as accidentally cutting through power lines or water pipes. The training not only focuses on how to use these devices effectively but also covers the best practices for scanning different types of terrain and interpreting the signals received. This ensures that workers can conduct their tasks safely and efficiently, minimising the risk of disruption and damage to underground services. What Is CAT and Genny Training? CAT and Genny Training provides comprehensive instruction on using Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny) to locate underground utilities safely. This training is critical to reduce the risk of accidentally striking underground assets during excavation, which can lead to severe safety hazards and financial losses. What Does Our CAT and Genny Training Course Cover? Our CAT and Genny Training Course covers: Basics of operating CAT and Genny equipment: Understanding the device controls, functions, and proper handling. Detection techniques: Learning how to detect different types of services, including electric, gas, and water. Practical applications: Hands-on training with both simulated and live environments to practice safe scanning and detection. Safety protocols: Emphasising safety procedures to prevent injuries and accidents. Legal compliance: Overview of health and safety regulations related to excavation work. Who Needs CAT and Genny Training? CAT and Genny Training is essential for anyone involved in excavation and groundworks. This includes utility workers, construction workers, civil engineers, site managers, and anyone else who may need to locate underground utilities as part of their job. The Cat And Genny Course is crucial for preventing damage to underground infrastructure like gas, water, telecoms and electrical lines, which can result in costly repairs and dangerous accidents. Do You Need to Be Trained to Use a CAT Scanner? Yes, training is highly recommended to use a CAT scanner effectively and safely. While not legally mandatory, proper training ensures that operators can accurately interpret the scanner’s signals and avoid potential hazards when working near underground utilities. Specialised Genny Tool Training Course Overview: The Genny Course is designed specifically to train users on the effective operation of the Genny tool, a crucial component of the CAT and Genny system used for detecting underground utilities. Key Learning Outcomes: → Understanding Genny Signals: Participants will learn how different signals can be applied and traced using the Genny, improving their ability to detect non-metallic utilities such as plastic water pipes. → Optimising Signal Strength: Training includes adjusting the Genny’s signal strength to suit various soil conditions and utility types, ensuring clearer and more accurate detections. Practical Applications: → Hands-on Practice: Extensive field practice sessions are included to give participants real-world experience in using the Genny effectively. →Troubleshooting Common Issues: Learners will be taught how to troubleshoot common operational issues to minimise downtime and enhance field productivity. Advanced Techniques: → Using Genny with CAT4: Instructions on how to integrate Genny use with the CAT4 detector for enhanced detection capabilities. → Interpreting and Mapping: Skills in interpreting the Genny’s output and using integrated mapping tools for accurate utility mapping. Safety Protocols: → Safe Operation Practices: Emphasis on safety measures to prevent accidents during the use of high-frequency signals. → Maintenance and Daily Checks: Training on regular maintenance routines and daily checks to keep the Genny in optimal working condition. Certification: → Qualification and Certification: Upon completion of the course, participants receive a certification that validates their proficiency in using the Genny tool according to industry standards. Scanning Techniques with CAT and Genny General Scanning Techniques: → Sweeping Motion: Always use a slow, steady sweeping motion with the CAT device. Begin scanning at least a few meters away from the expected area of the utilities to avoid missing any signals. → Directional Scans: Perform scans in multiple directions — both parallel and perpendicular to the expected direction of the utility lines to ensure thorough coverage. → Depth Perception: Adjust the depth settings based on preliminary scans to get an accurate depth estimate of buried utilities. Specific Use of Genny: → Direct Connection: When available, use the direct connection method with the Genny to induce a precise signal into a specific utility line. This is particularly useful in crowded areas with multiple utility lines. → Induction Mode: Use the Genny’s induction mode when direct connections are not possible. Ensure the Genny is placed on the ground vertically for optimal signal transmission. How to Use the CAT and Genny to Find Hidden Wires and Pipes Getting Ready: Check the Tools: Make sure the CAT and Genny are ready to use and have full batteries. Set Up the Genny: Pick the right sound for the Genny to use so it can find wires or pipes under the ground. If you can, connect the Genny to the pipe or wire with a special wire. Using the Genny: Stand it on the Ground: Put the Genny on the ground where you think there might be something hidden. Turn it on to send a beep into the ground. Connect it for Better Finding: Sometimes, you connect the Genny to something like a pipe for a clearer beep. Using the CAT: Start with Power Mode: Turn on the CAT and use the power mode to find beeps from wires that are on. Try Radio Mode: Next, switch to radio mode to hear beeps from metal things like pipes. Finally, Use Genny Signal Mode: Use this mode to hear the special beeps from your Genny to find hidden stuff like plastic pipes. How to Look Properly: Move Slowly: Walk slowly with the CAT over the area. If you move too fast, you might miss some beeps. Check in a Cross Pattern: First walk in one direction and then the other direction to make sure you cover all the area. Understanding What You Hear: Listen to the Beeps: A loud beep means you are close to a wire or pipe. If the beep sounds the same as you move, it probably means you found a wire or pipe. Staying Safe: Look Before You Dig: Always check by looking in the hole to make sure what the CAT and Genny found before you start digging. Keep the Tools Working Well: Make sure your tools are working right by checking them often. 500 mm from utilities; Always use insulated digging tools when close to underground utilities Frequently Asked Questions On Cat & Genny Training What is CAT and Genny training? CAT and Genny training provides instruction on how to use Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and Signal Generators (Genny) effectively to detect underground utilities and avoid accidental strikes during excavation. The training covers operational techniques, safety procedures, and the correct interpretation of the equipment’s signals. Why is CAT and Genny training important for construction workers? This Cat And Genny Course is crucial for safety and efficiency on construction sites. It helps workers avoid costly damages to underground utilities such as water pipes, electricity cables, and communication lines, which can lead to severe consequences including service outages, legal liabilities, and endangerment of worker and public safety. 3. How Long Is the Certification Valid? The certification received after completing CAT and Genny Training is generally valid for three to five years. After this period, a refresher course is recommended to keep up with new technologies and changing safety regulations. 4. Is CAT and Genny training required by law in the UK? While not specifically mandated by law, CAT and Genny training is strongly recommended under the UK Health and Safety Executive guidelines (HSE) to meet the legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act. It is considered best practice for anyone involved in excavation works. Cat & Genny Training Available 7 days a week to suit your business requirements. VPT have a team of friendly and approachable instructors, who have a wealth of knowledge of cable avoidance and the construction industry We have our own training centre conveniently located close to the M5 junction 9, In Tewkesbury. With its own purpose-built practical training area to simulate an actual working environment for the cat & genny course. Our Cable Avoidance training and test packages are priced to be competitive. Discounts are available for multiple bookings We can send a fully qualified NPORS cat & genny Tester to your site nationwide, to reduce the amount of time away from work Our more courses: Polish your abilities with our dedicated Lift Supervision Training, Slinger Signaller Training, Telehandler Training, Cat & Genny Training, Plant Loader Securer, Ride-On Road Roller, Abrasive Wheel Training, Lorry Loader Training and Scissor Lift Training sessions. Learn the safe and effective operation of these vital machines, crucial for construction and maintenance tasks. Elevate your skills and career prospects by enrolling in our comprehensive courses today.