Dear Members,
It has recently come to our attention that a number of training providers are either offering or developing courses for the drainage industry. This is in addition to existing providers delivering training that is not approved by NADC.
As you are aware, the NADC’s training division, the National Drainage Academy, delivers a comprehensive range of well-established courses covering all key aspects of day-to-day operations. These include CCTV surveying, HPWJ, electro-mechanical work, lining, and excavation and repair. All courses are endorsed by Energy & Utility Skills. While the NADC/National Drainage Academy does utilise third-party training providers, every course and trainer is subject to a rigorous vetting process prior to approval.
The NADC remains fully committed to raising industry standards through certification and supporting opportunities for our members. To maintain these standards, it is essential that we apply consistent due diligence, ensuring quality is upheld for the benefit of stakeholders, contractors, and, most importantly, their clients.
We strongly encourage all drainage contractors—whether current NADC/Drain-Safe members or those considering joining—to verify with us which training courses are officially recognised. It has become evident that some external courses do not meet the required standards and will therefore not be accepted.
As many of you will know, the Drain-Safe approved contractor scheme continues to gain significant recognition among key stakeholders, including water companies, local authorities, and professional trade associations. Increasingly, NADC/Drain-Safe accreditation is being specified within tender documents. It is therefore vital that field engineer certification aligns with the high standards and quality associated with the Drain-Safe ethos. A full list of approved training courses and providers is available on the National Drainage Academy website at www.nationaldrainageacademy.co.uk, or by contacting Martin Beattie on 07531 239 372
National Drainage Academy Expands Training Provision Across the UK
The National Drainage Academy, the training division of the National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC), continues to build on its commitment to raising standards across the drainage industry by providing high-quality, industry-recognised training.
The Academy currently offers a comprehensive range of courses covering key areas of drainage operations, including CCTV surveying, HPWJ, electro-mechanical work, lining, excavation and repair, with courses endorsed by Energy & Utility Skills.
As demand for high-quality, recognised training continues to grow, the National Drainage Academy is currently expanding its network of trainers across the country. By bringing more experienced industry professionals on board, the Academy aims to increase the geographical reach of its courses while also expanding the scope of training available to drainage contractors and their engineers.
New Trainer – Sean Hesson
We are also delighted to welcome Sean Hesson to the National Drainage Academy as our newest trainer.
With over 24 years of experience, Sean brings valuable industry experience to the Academy and will be delivering SHEA Drains & Sewers courses. Several dates are already available for this year, with upcoming courses being held in:
- Bromsgrove
- Thurrock
- Walsall
This is an exciting addition to the Academy’s course offering and provides contractors with further opportunities to access recognised training in locations across the UK.
All National Drainage Academy trainers and courses are subject to a thorough approval process to ensure that the high standards expected by the NADC are maintained. This is particularly important as NADC and DrainSafe accreditation continues to gain recognition among water companies, local authorities and other key stakeholders, with accreditation increasingly being specified within tender requirements.
We are committed to continuing to develop the National Drainage Academy and ensuring that contractors have access to quality training that supports both their businesses and the wider drainage industry.
To find out more about our courses, view upcoming dates and book your place, visit the National Drainage Academy website.
With more trainers joining the Academy and new opportunities for training being developed across the country, we look forward to continuing to support the industry and helping to raise standards through quality, recognised training.
