When you use any trade you will want to make sure the company or individual you are using is qualified. Now let’s say you are inviting companies to tender for a contract. You will list the qualifications you expect them to have; you would expect an electrician or a gas worker or a brick layer to be able to show evidence of their experience and training, normally in the form of certification.
“Is there a qualification system in the drainage industry? “
Yes – there are training and certification schemes available for all the major drainage activities. The National Association of Drainage Contractors deliver independently assessed training and certification.
A good example would be the NADC drain CCTV surveyor’s qualification. Once upon a time anybody could buy themselves a camera system and promote themselves as a CCTV surveyor. That’s not good news for the customer; they will probably not be getting the quality of service they think they are paying for, which ultimately reflects badly on the whole of the drainage industry. Now there is a qualification that the customer can see and should assure them of the competency of the contractor they are employing.
“What are these qualifications based on?”
In the case of CCTV surveying the training is based around the Manual of Sewer Condition Classification (domestic defect reporting) and the Drain Repair book as well as basic drainage law. These are, as is the course content, produced by the Water Research Centre in conjunction with the Environment Agency and the NADC. The certification will be recognised by EU skills.
“What are the benefits for me?”
Whether you’re a client or a contractor you will be receiving a service carried out by a suitably qualified operative. The work will conform to a recognised standard, which has been assessed independently using course content produced by an independent organisation.
You do have a choice.