Introducing Paul Englefield – Health, Safety and Compliance Trainer
Q. What is your background, and which courses do you deliver for Hydro-X Training?
A. I began my journey in the water industry over 42 years ago, right after leaving school. I enrolled in a Technical College as an apprentice and studied advanced pipe fitting and welding for four years. This apprenticeship provided me with a solid understanding of water systems before the company I was working for at the time was acquired by a larger water hygiene/treatment company. With the new company structure, I was able to develop my skills as a water hygiene engineer and progressed to become a senior operations manager. In early 2018, I transitioned into the training arena, and I have been with the group for almost six years now.
Currently, I deliver all watercourses within the Hydro-X Training portfolio, both in person and via live virtual classrooms. These courses include Legionella Awareness, Legionella Responsible Person, Legionella Responsible Person Including Cooling Systems, Legionella Operative Training, Healthcare Technical Memorandum 04-01 Operators Training, Management of Water Safety in Healthcare Estates HTM, Thermostatic Mixing Valves for Healthcare (HTM), and non-healthcare.
As our training facilities continue to evolve, we will offer more practical course options for operative ACOP L8 & HTM compliance checks, cleaning & disinfection of cooling towers, cleaning & disinfection of CWS tanks, TMV’s service & strip downs, dosing pot use, and HWS Calorifier strip downs and inspections.
Q. What is your approach to training delivery, and what makes Hydro-X Training different in the areas which you teach?
A. Trying to make the subject matter as enjoyable as possible can be difficult, especially when covering compliance. However, Hydro-X Training has drawn upon years of experience to establish themselves as the go-to provider for both hands-on practical training and online training. I believe that our online training has come on leaps and bounds, and it’s a great way for our clients to save on travel costs while still receiving the development they need.
Q. How long have you been in the water industry, and what are the fundamental learning outcomes / values which you try to instill in every one of your learners?
A. I have been in the installation/water hygiene industry for 42 years, and I am a strong believer that it is always best to do the job at hand right the first time. Occasionally, you will encounter more difficult challenges that you will have to overcome. In essence, a smooth sea does not make a good mariner, so you need to be able to navigate through the rough parts.
Q. With the vast majority of Hydro-X Training courses now available as Live Virtual Events what did you have to do to adapt your teaching style?
A. To be honest, when I was told that the delegates wouldn’t have cameras on and would communicate through a chat box, I wasn’t sure how well it would work, especially after following the traditional classroom route for the past five years. However, I quickly adapted and am now well-versed on the platform. I can clearly see the benefits for both our delivery team and our customers. It is a great option that works very well for both parties, and I personally love it.
Q. You must see a vast range of learners from many working backgrounds. What are the common / current challenges which our learners and their businesses are facing in regards to water compliance right now?
I certainly do. From trainee engineers who are just starting out in the water hygiene industry to directors who are guiding their company teams, I have seen many come through our doors. The common challenges that are raised time and time again include; a lack of skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced engineers to employ and retain.
Additionally, there is a squeeze on training budgets and equipment for infield staff. Throughout the UK, we also find that there is not enough practical training available, which everyone is calling out for. This is something that sets Hydro-X Training above many other training providers. We can offer hands-on options through our ever-evolving practical training facilities.
Q. What are the common skills/knowledge gaps you see from those operating/managing teams in the water industry?
A. I commonly see gaps in basic plumbing knowledge. A good and basic understanding of water systems gives individuals a huge advantage when navigating this industry.
Furthermore, when we look at those who have been doing the job for many years, we find they lack accredited training to certify their roles and expertise. Learning from other engineers on-site is great, but it doesn’t bridge the training and compliance gap. This can open businesses to potential health and safety risks and compliance breaches.
Here at Hydro-X Training, we provide a structured training program complemented by a progression of courses to help develop individuals toward the next stage in their career path.
Q. What is your favourite course to teach and why?
A. Again, to be honest, it would be Legionella Awareness online, as it provides a good basis for our clients with well-structured content. On top of this, anything within the practical training area, as I know learners love to get hands-on training and not just look at 80 PowerPoint slides.
Q. What is your favourite part of the job and what keeps you motivated?
A. Well, this is the best job I’ve had throughout my career, which is, of course, a great motivator, along with having managers and colleagues who fully support me with everything. Oh, and a nice car (cheers Paul Wilson).
Q. What tips would you give to newcomers to the water industry?
A. Complete every bit of training that is of benefit to both you and your company. This helps you to develop your skills, progress through different roles, and gain experience to support your own work competencies. Also don’t forget the refresher courses…we are all still learning every day.
Q. What are your goals in your current role and outside of the workplace?
A. To help develop my own training offering to support the team. As well as this, I would like to support the development of our practical training facilities and delivery methods. In turn, we can build towards having fantastic training centres like Dinnington in the southern regions.
Outside of work, I’ve just recently completed 3 days of motorcycle training and passed my DAS (Direct Access Scheme) with no riders faults. This allows me to ride anything now and no more CBTs (Compulsory basic training) every two years.
Great achievement as I took this on a 650cc motorcycle and I haven’t ridden a geared motorcycle in over 40 years
Here is my new ride as a treat for my achievements (and before anyone says it’s not a moped but a 300cc).
