Centre Spotlight – P&R Hurt
This edition of our Centre Spotlight series looks at Yeovil-based P&R Hurt Training, named after Paul and Rita Hurt who founded the electrical and mechanical services arm of the company in 1985. They currently offer a comprehensive range of CompEx qualifications from Foundation (ExF), Gas and Vapours (Ex 01-04), Dust (Ex 05-06), Fuel Forecourts (Ex 07-08) and Water Utilities (Ex 09-10).
Recently, P&R Hurt also worked with CompEx to develop a revised Water Utilities (Ex09 – Ex10) qualification, which created an opportunity to ask P&R Hurt questions about the continued collaboration with the CompEx team:
What is the reason for providing so many of the CompEx qualifications?
P&R Hurt is not just a successful training organisation as we have always had a contracting division as part of our portfolio. Hazardous area contracting has always been part of our scope . 20 years ago, we were invited as part of a team to develop the then new Fuel Forecourts (Ex07 – Ex08) units, as it seemed an extension to our everyday activities.
Subsequently we helped to develop the original Water Utilities (Ex09 – Ex10) units in conjunction with other industry partners. In time, it seemed only sensible to offer units Gas Vapours (Ex01 – Ex04) and Dust (Ex05 – Ex06) to create a suite of units.
We fully endorse the CompEx scheme for hazardous area training, which allows operatives to be confirmed as having core competency demonstrated not just by attending a course or passing a theory exam, but also by demonstrating occupational, practical competence.
The contracting arm of P&R Hurt directly reflects that which we then teach, bringing an immediacy to the classroom that is relevant to the modern working environment – a benefit few others can match.
You were involved in the revision of CompEx’s Water Utilities course, how do you think the course has benefitted from your insight?
We have delivered the existing Water Utilities (Ex09 – Ex10) units for approximately 15 years. During that time, we have had candidates from water authorities and contractors from every corner of the country. In addition, we have worked on numerous water sites for a range of water authorities ranging from installations through to inspection and consultancy. We were in a unique position to offer both the educational and practical perspective from real life experiences.
The outcome is a revised Water Utilities (Ex09 – Ex10), which reflects current practice and thinking, coupled with an assessment vehicle which meets the needs of the industry; enabling candidates to confirm their competency while demonstrating their ability in this highly skilled discipline.
Do you have any distinct long-term goals for your company within the electrical industry?
We aim to lead at the very front of high-quality education and training and strive to give a personal touch to all candidates that cross our threshold and hold their interest at the centre of everything we do.
As to the future, we must always look to improve and so we are currently in the process of enhancing our existing provision, expanding our AM2 offering and developing plans to relocate our assessment facility.
In the medium term, we are working alongside CompEx to redevelop Fuel Forecourts (Ex07 – Ex08) as the new APEA / IP ‘Blue Book’ (5th edition) is currently being revised.
Are there any particular case studies or moments of particular pride in the recent years that you could share with us?
Our moments of pride come from many sources but centre around people. We are exceptionally proud of our staff, a number of which having been with us for over 20 years.
We are equally as proud of the students we have trained, be they apprentice electricians, now qualified, or CompEx students winning or working on prestigious hazardous area contracts for multinational companies.
You’ve been established in the industry for many years now, have you seen/experienced instances of issues caused by unqualified contractors operating in hazardous areas?
Within any industry there are horror stories, hazardous area contracting is no different. Typically, people try to do the right thing, but most who ‘have a go’ – don’t know, what they don’t know.
Firms fall into the trap of buying the correct kit but installing it badly, with little reference to instructions or standards. We are often parachuted in at the last minute to try and resolve a contract that has gone wrong.
Normally the call is – “can you certificate this hazardous area?” often shortly followed by the comment “rip it out and start again” following our inspection. Training is the key and contractors realising that they cannot be all things to all people. It would be easy to list the accidents and incidents that have occurred in hazardous areas in recent years. It is a lot harder to list the near misses and impossible to calculate the numbers of installations that exist by good fortune alone.
Whilst the larger installations are typically well controlled, it is the smaller installations at greater risk of incident. The industry still has some way to go. P&R Hurt are committed to playing their part.
To read more about P&R Hurt Training, visit: https://prhurt.com/.