Rowdefield Farm Training & Education

The last few days have really highlighted the importance of thorough risk assessments and adapting to challenging conditions.

As a training centre, we understand just how important our courses are for people’s livelihoods, so we have done everything possible to keep training and assessments running safely throughout the heatwave.

Thankfully, most of our machines are equipped with air conditioning, and our fully equipped training centre has provided candidates with a cool environment away from the sun. This has allowed us to continue delivering the majority of our courses with minimal disruption.

Over the past week, we have adapted our schedules with early morning assessments before temperatures peaked, adjusted training programmes to minimise time spent in direct sunlight, and introduced additional hydration and rest breaks throughout the day.

Our priority has always been to keep courses running wherever it is safe to do so. Unfortunately, we did have to postpone our 0020-61 City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Manually Fed Wood Chipper course. With high temperatures, hot machinery, and physically demanding work, it simply wasn't safe to proceed. The good news is that all affected candidates have already been rebooked, as we know how important these qualifications are for their jobs and careers.

A huge thank you to our assessors and instructors who have worked tirelessly, completed rigorous risk assessments, adapted delivery methods, and consistently put candidate welfare first.

And, of course, thank you to all of our candidates who turned up, worked hard, stayed positive in challenging conditions, and successfully achieved their qualifications this week.

Great job, Team Rowdefield! 👏🌞💧