Author Archives: Andy Goodwin

DESIGNING OUT WASTE – AN IMPERATIVE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Bookings still being taken for our course on “Designing Out Waste” in Chesterfield on 17 July 2014, £220 + VAT per delegate As major waste producers the construction sector is under increasing pressure to reduce waste, for example through new regulations. Moreover an increasingly large number of clients are requiring contractors and designers/engineers to reduce waste and show at tender stage how they will do so. Designers have a key role to play in this as design decisions directly influence what gets constructed, and empowering design teams to identify and act upon these opportunities reduces waste and usually identifies cost savings.   Taught by a Chartered Waste Manager and Waste Specialist, this course aims to develop an understanding of the options and processes for addressing waste issues in a project or design concept, and delegates will take away with them an understanding of waste issues that they can use in everyday thinking when it comes to engineering designs. The course is designed for professionals in the construction sector from all disciplines who have very little or no knowledge of waste management issues or would like to learn more.     If you require any additional information before making a booking on this course, please contact us at enquiries@surepathtraining.co.uk.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ‘EMMA’ WINNERS!

We were pleased to be one of many who attended the very successful ICE East Midlands Merit Awards Gala Dinner on Friday 6 June in Nottingham. Our congratulations go to all EMMA winners, who can be found listed here. Our Andy Goodwin attended as chair of the ICE North Nottinghamshire North Derbyshire Branch of the ICE, together with fellow Director Julie Goodwin, and they wish to thank all for an excellent evening. 053__WFP1299 (640x383) 053__WFP1299 033__WFP1262

NEW COURSE – DESIGNING OUT WASTE

Designing Out Waste, Chesterfield, 17 July 2014, £220 + VAT per delegate Reducing waste is a priority for the European Union and the UK Government, and as major waste producers the construction and demolition sectors are under increasing pressure through new regulations, measures and targets. Moreover an increasingly large number of clients are requiring contractors and designers/engineers to reduce waste and show at tender stage how they will do so as the best opportunities to reduce waste in the early stages of the construction process. Designers have a key role in this as design decisions directly influence what gets constructed and how, and empowering design teams to identify and act upon these opportunities reduces waste and usually identifies cost savings.  Designing out waste is also a key element of good practice in the preparation of a Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP), which is not just a site action plan for construction contractors.   Starting a SWMP at the design stage and recording design decisions in it helps communicate them to the client and contractor and helps ensure they are implemented on site.  Taught by a Chartered Waste Manager and Waste Specialist, this course aims to develop an understanding of the options and processes for addressing waste issues in a project or design concept, and delegates will take away with them an understanding of waste issues that they can use in everyday thinking when it comes to engineering designs. The course is designed for professionals in the construction sector from all disciplines who have very little or no knowledge of waste management issues or would like to learn more.     If you require any additional information before making a booking on this course, please contact us at enquiries@surepathtraining.co.uk.

UPCOMING ICE PROFESSIONAL REVIEW COURSES IN JUNE AND JULY

The ICE Professional Review – Preparing for the Written Exercise, Chesterfield, 20 June 2014, £220 + VAT per delegate Building on the overview and preparation course, or taken as a stand-alone course, the emphasis of this course is on effective preparation for the Written Exercise that forms part of the review process. Starting with a review of the basis of the Written Exercise and how submissions are assessed, the course will progress to focus in particular on the subjects around which Written Exercise titles are set, how the reviewers select topics for you, and typical forms of question. Delegates will be provided with example questions based on the attributes, and guided through the process of preparing an answer. Discussion sessions will then be used to explore in more depth common subject topics, which should allow delegates to identify any areas of weakness in their knowledge and understanding. Effective Partnering and Mentoring for SCE’s and DE’s (half day), Chesterfield, 23 July 2014, £125 + VAT per delegate A practically focussed half day course aimed at those new or planning to become Supervising Civil Engineers or Delegated Engineers for mentees pursuing qualification with the ICE, this course will begin with a review of the qualification standards, routes to membership, and the process for achieving professional qualification. It will then focus on what a mentor is and the roles of mentor and mentee, before examining from a practical perspective what effective mentoring looks like. Tips and tricks from an experienced mentor will be provided, and delegates will be encouraged to discuss their views and ideas on how they personally will implement their learning. If you require any additional information before making a booking on any course, please contact us at enquiries@surepathtraining.co.uk.

UPCOMING GEOTECHNICS COURSES IN JUNE AND JULY

Mentoring for Civil Engineers on Engineering Geology, Chesterfield, 25 June 2014, £320 + VAT per delegate for a 1.5 day course (equivalent) The geological content of current civil engineering degree courses tends to be quite limited and engineers often need to further develop their geological appreciation to become fully effective. This course aims to help delegates appreciate the need to consider geology carefully in design through a study of the major hazards and risks presented to civil engineering projects by geological features. The course will provide delegates with the opportunity to develop a solid framework around which they can further develop their understanding through personal study and on the job learning. It is taught in a small group setting in a ‘long day’ format to give delegates the equivalent of 1.5 days training in a single day and hence make the course more cost effective for employers. Taught with a focus on interactive learning and discussion, the course comprises three main sessions: overview of why geology is important to engineers, based on which fundamental geological concepts will be reprised including the major rock types; geological maps and their interpretation, leading to an overview of the geology of the British Isles and the main geological units; discussion and exercises based on case studies to explore the risks presented to engineering by geology. Earthworks – Principles and Practice, Chesterfield, 21 July 2014, £220 + VAT per delegate The design and construction of successful earthworks requires a holistic understanding of how and why earthworks behave as they do. Using case studies as appropriate to emphasise key points, the course will begin with a review of the typical forms of earthworks and their contrasting performance requirements, and progress to discuss the types of specification available, identify common forms, and emphasise the need to integrate design and construction aspects if an effective specification is to be prepared. It will cover also acceptability criteria, monitoring and control of earthworks, and reporting and certification. If you require any additional information before making a booking on any course, please contact us at enquiries@surepathtraining.co.uk.

NEW EC7 BASED GROUND INVESTIGATION COURSE

We have a new ground investigation course running on 28 May in Chesterfield, costing just £220 + VAT per delegate. Based on EC7 and with comparisons to BS5930, this course will provide delegates with an update on changes to best practice. The course will start with a review of the need for and procurement of ground investigation before discussing implementation stages and processes.  The range and quality of data obtained from exploratory and testing techniques available will be discussed together with their appropriate usage in different ground conditions. A key part of the course will be a requirement for delegates to prepare their own ground investigation design for a site under guidance to reinforce their learning. If you require any additional information before making a booking on any course, please contact us at enquiries@surepathtraining.co.uk.

SPOTLIGHT ON MANAGEMENT AND CONTRACT COURSES IN MAY

We have two courses in May aimed at broadening the management and contractual skills of graduates and young professionals who are pursuing professional qualification or starting to take on managerial responsibilities. Introduction to Project Management, Chesterfield, 21 May 2014, £220 + VAT per delegate The effective management of projects is critical to success, and as such it is one of the key attributes required to be demonstrated for chartered status with the ICE and IStructE. Taught from a design management perspective, this course covers the role of the Project Manager, the importance of the brief, risk identification and management, planning and programming, cost forecasting and control, and quality and team management. Contractual Awareness, Chesterfield, 27 May 2014, £220 + VAT per delegate Taught in association with Nabarro, this course aims to raise the contractual awareness of graduates and should contribute to the achievement of ICE Development Objective C5. The course covers the basis of contracts in law, standard forms of contract such as the NEC, the responsibilities of the parties, risk management aspects of contracts, tendering / procurement, and contract variations. The tutors will be an experienced Chartered Engineer and practicing lawyers to give a balanced view on the issues. Early booking is recommended. If you require any additional information before making a booking on any course, please contact us at enquiries@surepathtraining.co.uk.

CDM update…

You may be aware that the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 are expected to be replaced next year. The consultation document has now been released by the HSE and one of our specialist CDM and HSW tutors from Cummins PMS Limited has prepared a document summarising the key points that will be changing. This document may be found in full here but in essence the main points are: 1. Inclusion of domestic projects. (All domestic projects are currently excluded) 2. The removal of “competency” requirements and replacement with “appropriate skills” 3. Removal of CDM Co-ordinator role entirely. 4. Introduction of new role – “Principal Designer” (NB Not a direct swap with CDM-C!!!) 5. Removal of Approved Code of Practice to be replaced by guidance notes. 6. CDM Regs will apply in all cases where more than one designer/contractor involved. 7. F10 notification remains but additional requirement is for sites > 20 people involved. We hope that you find this of interest, though obviously there is a health warning attached – the consultation process may change things again! Published with the kind permission of Cummins PMS Ltd, a specialist civil engineering and building Project Management Company based in North Oxfordshire. CPMS round logo

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION COURSES TO HELP YOU SUCCEED…

Are you or your staff pursuing professional qualification with the Institution of Civil Engineers? Are you a mentor needing to refresh your understanding of the process so you can guide your graduates? Details follow for four courses designed and delivered by a highly experienced Supervising Civil Engineer and ICE Professional Reviewer to help your staff prepare as effectively as possible for their review. The ICE Professional Review – Overview and Preparation, Chesterfield, 28 April 2014, £220 + VAT per delegate The routes to professional qualification with the ICE are well established, but effective preparation for review and ultimate success depends on the inputs of the graduate with support from their mentors. This course will help you understand the review process in detail, including the philosophy and the benchmark pass standards defined in the attributes that you must achieve. The course will cover also the requirements and part played in the review process by your submission documents, the presentation, interview and written exercise. Delivery will draw on the experience of the tutor as a mentor and ICE Reviewer to provide practical tips and tricks, with an emphasis on facilitated group discussion and exercises. The ICE Professional Review – Preparing for the Written Exercise, Chesterfield, 20 June 2014, £220 + VAT per delegate Building on the overview and preparation course, or taken as a stand-alone course, the emphasis of this course is on effective preparation for the Written Exercise that forms part of the review process. Starting with a review of the basis of the Written Exercise and how submissions are assessed, the course will progress to focus in particular on the subjects around which Written Exercise titles are set, how the reviewers select topics for you, and typical forms of question. Delegates will be provided with example questions based on the attributes, and guided through the process of preparing an answer. Discussion sessions will then be used to explore in more depth common subject topics, which should allow delegates to identify any areas of weakness in their knowledge and understanding. Effective Partnering and Mentoring for SCE’s and DE’s, Half day course, Chesterfield, 23 July 2014, £125 + VAT per delegate A practically focussed half day course aimed at those new or planning to become Supervising Civil Engineers or Delegated Engineers for mentees pursuing qualification with the ICE, this course will begin with a review of the qualification standards, routes to membership, and the process for achieving professional qualification. It will then focus on what a mentor is and the roles of mentor and mentee, before examining from a practical perspective what effective mentoring looks like. Tips and tricks from an experienced mentor will be provided, and delegates will be encouraged to discuss their views and ideas on how they personally will implement their learning. The ICE Professional Review – Preparing for the Interview, £395 + VAT per delegate, East Midlands Airport on 13 August 2014, and Leeds on 10 September 2014 This course is strictly restricted to a maximum of four delegates per session due to the personal attention received and the intensity of the course, so early booking is advisable. The course begins with an introductory session to reprise the CPR/ IPR process and the interview itself, after which each delegate in turn undertakes a mock interview to practice their presentation and gain experience at responding to the ‘open’ style of questioning typically used at review. Delegates are required to submit to the course tutor printed copies of their Experience and Project reports 2 weeks prior to the course, and to have prepared their presentations in advance of the course, as these form the basis for the mock interview. Each interview is based on the documents submitted by that interviewee, and each mock interview is held in front of the other delegates in a supportive environment so that all can learn from each other and share learning points. After the course each delegate receives individual feedback on their submitted reports and performance at the mock review to help them finalise their preparations. Each course will be taught by an experienced mentor / reviewer, using a combination of lecture type delivery with an emphasis on discussion sessions. More details of each course are available on request. Discounts are available for group bookings or delegates attending more than one course. If you require any additional information before making a booking on any course, please contact us at enquiries@surepathtraining.co.uk.

MANAGEMENT AND CONTRACT COURSES IN MAY

We are pleased to announce two courses in May that are aimed at broadening the management and contractual skills of graduates and young professionals. Both would be particularly useful for those pursuing professional qualification with the ICE and IStructE, or for those entering that stage of their career when they are taking on managerial responsibilities. Introduction to Project Management, Chesterfield, 21 May 2014, £220 + VAT per delegate The effective management of projects is critical to success, and as such it is one of the key attributes required to be demonstrated for chartered status with the ICE and IStructE. This course is aimed at developing the knowledge and skills of those relatively new to or with limited experience of project management. The course is taught from a design management perspective but would be of use to others too. It covers aspects such as the role of the Project Manager, the importance of the brief, risk identification and management, planning and programming, cost forecasting and control, quality management, and team management. It will be taught by a Chartered Engineer experienced at both project management and project direction.  Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 20 so early booking is recommended. NEW DATE: Contractual Awareness, Chesterfield, 27 May 2014, £220 + VAT per delegate Taught in association with Nabarro, this course aims to raise the contractual awareness of graduates and should contribute to the achievement of ICE Development Objective C5. Starting with the basis of contracts in law, the course will move on to introduce standard forms of contract in use in construction and consultancy such as the NEC, the responsibilities of the parties, risk management aspects of contracts, tendering / procurement, and contract variations. The tutors for the course will be an experienced Chartered Engineer and practicing lawyers to give a balanced view on the issues at hand. Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 30 so early booking is recommended. If you require any additional information before making a booking on any course, please contact us at enquiries@surepathtraining.co.uk.