The SHEA Core Training Course is a health, safety and environmental awareness training programme created for workers operating throughout the utilities industry. Provided as part of the broader SHEA (Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness) initiative by Energy & Utility Skills, the course offers fundamental knowledge requirements for workers who need site access in industries like gas, water, power, telecoms, and waste management.
The SHEA Core course is usually the initial entry point into sites of a utility nature and is also commonly requested by employers and contractors as part of their overall health and safety requirements. It is appropriate for new starters as well as experienced workers requiring to upskill or refresh their safety awareness.
What the Course Covers
The training is structured to provide a wide-ranging appreciation of workplace hazards, legal duties, and safe working procedures. It addresses the important subjects of hazard awareness, risk assessment, manual handling, the use of PPE, fire safety, working at height, and protection of the environment. The delegates also receive training on the need for site security, emergency response, and how to act accordingly in the case of an incident.
In contrast to sector-specific SHEA courses (e.g., SHEA Gas or SHEA Power), the Core module is suitable for use in any utility sector. It is a building-block course and can be taken in conjunction with other modules where access is needed to specialist or high-risk zones, some of these can be online courses, says SHEA. The learning gained on this course is intended to be transferable to both on-site and off-site utility activities, such as streetworks and confined spaces.
The training is classroom and interactive-based, though some offer virtual sessions. The delegates are stimulated to participate in group discussions and live scenarios, ensuring the training is interactive and practical.
Who Should Take the SHEA Core Course
The SHEA Core course is designed for everyone who works in or with the utilities sector and requires access to operational locations. This is not just for technical and engineering personnel but also for support workers, drivers, contractors and anyone whose work may expose them to utility settings.
In most instances, SHEA Core completion is now a requirement before one can gain access onto utility sites, says EUSR, particularly those that are operated by large network companies or top-tier contractors. The course is also useful for new recruits as induction training, to ensure that all personnel working on site have the same fundamental safety requirements.
For those that intend to work across industries, taking the SHEA Core module alongside industry-specific modules provides a convenient path to full certification.
Certification and Course Format
Upon successful completion of the SHEA Core course, the delegates are issued a EUSR (Energy & Utility Skills Register) card, which is valid for five years. The course has a short multiple-choice test at the end, which checks the learner’s knowledge of the materials covered during the session.
Courses typically last a day and are provided through approved training providers across the country. Several organisations provide on-site group bookings for businesses, which makes it convenient to train numerous employees in one go. Virtual classroom courses are also increasingly popular, especially for home workers or teams based in different locations.
The EUSR card, after training, is readily accepted throughout the UK utilities industry and, in certain instances, can also assist applications to the construction site through CSCS association based on the job role and the qualifications of the individual.
