Getting to know National Training Services

Interviews with an NTS Trainer

Our trainers are at the heart of what we do here at NTS. They proudly help us to deliver the City and Guilds approved Train the Trainer courses that put workplace safety first across countless settings and industry sectors.

Discover what NTS trainers Neil and Darren have to say about health and safety, what needs to change industry-wide, and why enrolling on a training course is a vital step in the right direction for all.

What is your favourite health and safety subject?

Neil: “My favourite subject is a toss-up between fire marshal and safety harness. I’ve been interested in fire marshalling since I was a teenager, while safety harness training is always a joy to teach - I’m always surprised by how much everyone likes getting involved! The latter was also the first course I ever wrote!”

Darren: “I really like training the work at height harness and ladder courses. Both are great subjects to sink your teeth into, and it’s particularly enjoyable to keep up-to-date with all the new kit that’s out there and how we can make it safer to use. Sadly, you hear plenty of near-miss incidents and accidents that happen on site from the operatives, which opens up a fantastic learning curve forum for all, including myself!”

What’s the best part about training health and safety?

Neil: "My favourite part about training Health and Safety is that I have helped people know how to look after themselves and others at work."

Darren: “It’s all about sharing knowledge for me too. I had been working on site for nearly 25 years as an operative then a manager and site agent before taking the leap 10 years ago to become a trainer, and I am passionate about supporting roles and industries that I know and admire.”

What don’t people understand about health and safety?

Neil: “The biggest misconception about health and safety is that it stops people from doing their jobs. The reality couldn’t be more different. Giving trainers the necessary knowledge and experience to pass on to workers is about helping them look after themselves and others at work.”

Darren: “Workplace lung conditions are a hot topic for me and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Passing on the statistics of silica and asbestos deaths each year to tradespeople is usually an eye opener, and I have sadly lost a few work mates, so it’s an issue that’s close to my heart.”

What should the new government change about health and safety?

Neil: “Do something about risk assessments, I feel that they are no longer fit for purpose. Pages of generic hazards, risks that they are expecting workers to read and understand, are a waste of time for all involved. Risk assessments aren’t ‘get out of jail free’ cards!”

Darren: “Don’t forget about the little guys. Most of the classes I train are for huge companies, and quite honestly most of them are already very good with health and safety. It’s the smaller companies that need upskilling the most. Training should be accessible to all. Yet, taking time off and footing the bill for training will always be more difficult for smaller companies. Costs should be subsidised to keep workers at all levels up-to-date and bring them home safely.”

You’ve heard from our trainers, now it’s time to meet them face-to-face! Explore our Train the Trainer courses to find the quality training to put safety first within your organisation.