Sector leading training facility launched

A new facility has been launched at Gower College Swansea that will offer a sector leading training environment for electricians working in hazardous conditions.

The Swansea CompEx Training Centre, the result of a collaboration between the College and C&P Engineering Services, has been funded by the Skills Priorities Programme supported by Welsh Government.

CompEx is the recognised global scheme for providing candidates with the essential knowledge and practical skills to enable safe working in potentially explosive atmospheres, whether due to flammable gas, combustible dust or other hazards.

“We are very proud to host this brand new facility at our Tycoch campus,” says Assistant Learning Area Manager Tim Clark. “We look forward to working with UK and international employers, apprentices and commercial students to offer a range of CompEx courses.”

The first courses offered at the Training Centre will be the five-day Gas & Vapours (Ex01-Ex04) which is designed for competent electrical and/or instrument craft personnel, and the Foundation Unit (Ex F) which is targeted at electrical supervisors, managers and non-practitioners to enable a greater appreciation of the hazards associated with working in explosive atmospheres and the promotion of safe working practices.

Future courses lined up for later in the year will cover modules on explosive dust, responsible person, engineering design and mechanical practices.

The new Centre comprises of 10 bays which simulate installations in a typical petrochemical / explosive atmosphere. The courses are intensive, with students spending three days in the classroom before undertaking two days of assessments where they are required to identify faults within the booths.

Tim, who submitted the original bid for funding in 2017, is now working on a follow-up bid that will allow for future development.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our first candidates to the Swansea CompEx Training Centre,” says Tim. “And, working in partnership with C&P, we are excited about expanding our portfolio of courses and growing our client base across the UK and abroad.”

For more information please contact 01792 284090 or email compex@gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk

Photos: Adrian White