The call for workforce upskilling and competence enhancement is growing across the construction industries, driven by the imperative to adapt to emerging technologies, meet stringent regulatory standards, and optimise operational efficiency. In the realm of M&E, where safety-critical installations are common, the stakes are particularly high. From ensuring the specification of the correct anchor to ensuring precise installation of bracket assemblies, the consequences of inadequate training in M&E can be profound.

Recognising this need, many organisations including MIDFIX are turning to targeted training programmes to equip their workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the intricacies of M&E systems effectively. From foundational principles to attaining the necessary skills and knowledge required to be considered competent individuals, these training courses offer a pathway to achieving regulatory compliance and operational safety.

In this article, we delve into the top five M&E training courses curated to meet the demand for workforce competence in the M&E field. We explore the critical role of specialised training in areas such as installer competence and supervisor training, and we shed light on how these courses can bridge the gap between industry demands and workforce capabilities.

• CFA Academy
• Fischer Training Centre
• RawlPlug Academy
• Hilti Academy
• MIDFIX Academy

CFA Academy

The Construction Fixings Association (CFA) stands at the forefront of addressing a critical challenge within the construction sector: a skills shortage exacerbated by an ageing workforce and a diminishing stream of new entrants. This issue particularly impacts sectors that rely on post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry, crucial for safety-critical applications. Achieving the precise installation of construction anchors and fixings necessitates a deep reservoir of knowledge and expertise, both from the operatives executing the installations and the supervisory personnel overseeing these operations. Currently, the industry is witnessing a gap in these essential skill sets.

In response to this pressing need, the CFA, an integral pillar of the construction community, is committed to enhancing safety and quality standards across the board. With a mission aligned with its core objectives, the CFA actively collaborates with key industry stakeholders to bolster support in this critical area. Positioned as the leading independent authority in the construction sector, the CFA spearheads a suite of specialised training programmes focusing on Construction Fixings, with a particular emphasis on Safety Critical Construction Fixings.

The CFA offers an array of certified courses for various roles within the industry, such as Installers, Supervisors, Proof Testers, and Advanced Testers. These courses are categorised into different levels of competency:

Basic Level: Designed to build a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding, this level uses an e-learning platform aligned with the requirements of BS8539:2012. This standard provides guidelines for the design, selection, procurement, installation, and testing of post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry. The e-learning platform offers a flexible, time-effective training method to impart comprehensive knowledge. Learners can complete the course in one go or in "bite-sized" sections, fitting around other commitments. With a 10-week period to finish a specified module, learners who pass the final assessment earn a certificate of achievement valid for three years.

Advanced Level: This level provides a deeper learning experience through face-to-face training in a suitable learning environment, blending classroom instruction with practical hands-on experience. The courses are designed to ensure a uniform standard of knowledge and competence, supported by pre-reading materials and pre-assessments. Successful completion of the course and meeting the practical evaluation criteria result in a training certificate valid for three years, attesting to the learner's knowledge and assessed competence.

Through its targeted training programmes, the CFA not only addresses the critical skills gap in the construction industry but also promotes a culture of safety, quality, and professional development among its members.

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The CFA Competent Supervisor Course is tailored for supervisors who oversee anchor installation teams. It's specifically designed for those in supervisory roles, not for installers or testers. This course provides the essential knowledge and skills needed to manage and supervise the installation of post-installed anchors, ensuring safety and quality according to the BS8539:2012 standards.

Participants will learn how to comply with the "Code of practice for the selection and installation of post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry" Clause 8. Upon completing the course, you will receive a Certificate of Training, recognising your ability to oversee post-installed anchor installations effectively.

Fischer Training Centre

As a leading innovator and manufacturer of fixings worldwide, Fischer Fixings recognises the importance of education and training for those engaged in the fixings sector. With the ever-evolving landscape of product offerings becoming more specialised and diverse, the necessity for comprehensive training has never been more critical. This need has intensified with the introduction of increasingly complex and sophisticated design methodologies, especially following the implementation of CDM regulations. These developments place additional responsibilities on specifiers, who must now ensure they fully comprehend the implications of correctly specifying a product.

To address this growing demand for knowledgeable professionals in the field, Fischer fixings' UK Technical Department offers a variety of training sessions. Each programme is meticulously designed to meet the specific requirements of the participants, ensuring they receive the most relevant and effective instruction possible.

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The ToolBox Talks training series is specifically designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for the correct use of various tools during the installation of different types of anchors. Led by Mirka Valovicova, the Head of Technical at Fischer UK, this specialised programme delves into the intricacies of tool and anchor compatibility, focusing on best practices that ensure safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in all installation processes.

Throughout the course, participants engage in detailed sessions that last approximately 30 minutes each, followed by a 15-minute assessment to evaluate their understanding and proficiency in applying what they've learned. These assessments are crucial for reinforcing the practical application of theories discussed, focusing on the nuanced aspects of tool selection and usage specific to each type of anchor.

Rawlplug Academy

RawlPlug is a pioneering company known for its invention and development of the first ever wall plug, a solution for securing fixtures into masonry and other materials, which has become a staple in construction. The company has expanded its product line over the years to include a wide range of fixing solutions, including anchors and fasteners, designed for various applications in construction, from light residential to heavy industrial projects.

The RawlPlug Academy is an educational initiative by RawlPlug aimed at professionals in the construction and fixing industry. It's designed to share the company's century-old expertise in fixing technology and product application with engineers, architects, contractors, and tradespeople. The Academy offers a variety of training programmes, workshops, and resources that cover the proper selection, installation, and use of RawlPlug products, as well as general best practices in fixing and fastening solutions.

The Rawlplug Academy offers an extensive e-learning curriculum, encompassing several hundred hours of instruction across three main themes: industry insights, product knowledge, and service understanding.

• Industry Knowledge Training: This module dives deep into the fixings, fasteners, and tools sector, providing foundational knowledge about fixings, certification standards and requirements, and methods for corrosion protection, among other essential topics.
• Product Training: Participants are introduced to the general and specific characteristics of Rawlplug product categories, learning about the principles of selection and installation, and exploring the products' most common applications.
• Service Training: This section focuses on Rawlplug's unique tools designed to enhance design and work processes with its products.

Together, these modules offer a comprehensive learning experience aimed at deepening understanding of the industry, Rawlplug's product range, and the services that support their effective use.

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• Basic Information – Fixings

This course provides an introductory overview of fixings, the fundamental components used in construction for attaching or securing materials together. Participants will learn about the various types of fixings available, their uses, and the principles behind choosing the right fixing for specific applications. The course aims to build a solid foundation of knowledge for those new to the sector or looking to refresh their understanding of basic fixing concepts.

• Bonded Anchors - General Characteristics and Applications

This course delves into bonded anchors, a key category of fixings that rely on adhesive bonding to secure materials to substrates. The training will highlight the advantages and considerations of using bonded anchors, including load capacities, curing times, and suitability for different materials and environments.

Hilti Academy

Hilti is a well-established company in the construction and mechanical and electrical sectors, offering a wide range of tools, technologies, software, and services. The company is known for providing solutions that enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of construction projects.

The Hilti Academy is a part of their offering, providing training courses that cover essential topics such as structural post-installed connections (including anchors and rebar) and Passive Fire Protection design. The Academy aims to cater to various learning needs, offering courses that range from introductory theory to the complexities of codes, standards, and approvals. It serves as a resource for professionals looking to meet training requirements or expand their knowledge and skills in these specific areas.

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Health and Safety Training

Construction site accidents aren't mere coincidences; they are often the result of various factors, with human error being a significant contributor. Interestingly, human behaviour accounts for two-thirds of all construction-related mishaps. This is largely due to the construction sector's reliance on a workforce that lacks either the skill or the training necessary to identify and appropriately respond to potential risks. This underscores the critical need for comprehensive and effective training for all construction workers.

Hilti’s Health & Safety Trainings stand out in this regard, offering highly interactive sessions tailored for jobsite employees. These trainings blend practical exercises with state-of-the-art equipment, dynamic media animations, and theoretical knowledge to create a robust learning experience. Central to our curriculum is the prevention of workplace risks and accidents, employing the STOP methodology. This approach emphasizes the importance of mitigating risks through substitution, technical solutions, organisational changes, and the use of personal protective equipment.

Participants of the Health & Safety Training Sessions can expect to gain a multitude of benefits:

1. Enhanced Competence and Productivity: By understanding safety protocols and risk prevention, workers can perform their duties more competently and efficiently.
2. Strategies to Minimize Physical Risks: The training equips individuals with the knowledge to identify and mitigate potential dangers on the construction site.
3. Commitment to Employee Safety: Enrolling employees in these sessions demonstrates an employer's dedication to their workforce's safety and well-being.
   

MIDFIX Academy

And last, but not least, we have MIDFIX’s very own training centre – the MIDFIX Academy. The MIDFIX Academy, a pivotal aspect of the company's value proposition, serves as a specialised training and technical resource centre. It aims to upskill installers and supervisors, ensuring they are well-equipped with the latest industry standards, techniques, and best practices. The academy offers a variety of courses and training programmes, ranging from basic introductions to M&E principles to advanced certifications in specific technologies or installation methods.

By fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, MIDFIX ensures that professionals in the M&E sector are capable of executing their tasks with the highest level of competence and confidence. This dedication to education and support underlines MIDFIX's role not just as a supplier, but as a key partner in the growth and development of the M&E industry.

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MX Tested Channel System Course

This comprehensive course is your all-in-one guide to mastering the installation of the MX channel system. It emphasises the critical importance of proper training in installing tested channel systems, ensuring you're equipped with the necessary expertise. You'll be introduced to all essential aspects of working with this system, including a variety of sizes, finishes, methods for cutting and dressing, and various connection types such as channel-to-channel, channel-to-steelwork, threaded rod-to-steelwork, and channel-to-purlin connections, along with cantilever arms, anchor considerations, and securing to composite metal decking. By course completion, you will possess a thorough grasp of the MX channel system's installation intricacies, empowering you with the capability to execute installations with precision and confidence. Successful completion earns you a digital certificate, affirming your proficiency and detailed understanding of correct installation practices.

Advanced Anchor Installer Course

The "Advanced Anchor Installer Course" offered by the MIDFIX Academy is structured into two comprehensive modules.

Module 1 establishes the foundational knowledge necessary for becoming a competent anchor installer. It delves into the qualifications and skills required, the significance of maintaining high standards in anchor installations, and provides an essential overview of the BS8539:2012 standard. This standard outlines the best practices and regulatory compliance necessary for anchor installations, making it crucial for professionals aiming to excel in their field. The course also delves into the potential risks and consequences of inadequate installation practices.

Module 2 focuses on the practical side of anchor installations, covering detailed techniques for installing various types of anchors, such as concrete screws, deformation controlled anchors, and throughbolts. It is designed to enhance the practical skills of installers, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle a wide range of installation scenarios with confidence and expertise.

The standout feature of the MIDFIX Academy is that both the course itself and the ensuing certification are completely free of charge! This opportunity provides participants with access to knowledge and practical skills in a way that is accessible to all professionals aiming to enhance their competency and compliance.

Conclusion

This article insightfully evaluates the top five M&E online training courses, underscoring the significant advantages of leveraging digital platforms for educational purposes. E-learning brings unparalleled flexibility, accessibility, and a tailored pace of learning, making it an ideal fit for the dynamic demands of the construction industry.

However, it's imperative to recognise that these online courses represent a significant step towards achieving competence but are not the destination. True competence in the M&E sector is multifaceted, encompassing not only skills and knowledge, which these courses adeptly provide, but also experience and behaviour. The journey to full competence involves the practical application of skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios, coupled with the development of professional behaviours and the accumulation of hands-on experience. Therefore, while these e-learning courses lay a solid foundation for professionals in the M&E sector, achieving true competence requires a continuous, holistic approach to professional development, blending online learning with real-world application and mentorship.