Page 10 - W M Donald Newsletter - Edition Nine

W M Donald Utilities – Investing in training and technology for growth in 2020
2019 has been a great year for the W M Donald utilities’ team led by David Muir. The focus now is on strengthening the capacity and competencies of the team in order to build on this year’s success into 2020.
There has been a considerable investment in training; currently seven operatives are engaged in NCO 1 (Network Construction Operative) and NCO 2 qualifications. Three have already been accredited with another four to follow soon.
NCO 2 training covers all aspects of water network construction with particular emphasis on mains and service laying. NCO 1 training is for operatives who assist mains and service layers to carry out network construction activities.
W M Donald is looking to grow both gas and water from Dundee to Inverness in 2020.
Both NCO1 and NCO2 qualifications cover best practice electrofusion welding techniques. W M Donald is looking to reinforce its operatives’ welding skills by purchasing Advance Welding electrofusion boxes incorporating ControlPoint technology.
ControlPoint technology links the electrofusion box to the operative’s mobile phone and asks them to take a photo of the electrofusion joint before it is welded. The photo, and the joint data generated by the electrofusion box during welding, are sent via the internet to ControlPoint’s team of inspectors in Chesterfield. The ControlPoint inspectors review each joint in almost real-time to check for best practice and advise the operative of any potential problems. Electrofusion is the dominant welding technology in the gas industry as well as water.
To find out more visit www.controlpoint.co.uk
Back to school for Claire
St Margaret’s School for Girls is one of the oldest all-girls schools in Scotland. Whilst it may have been founded way back in 1846, St Margaret’s showed it is in tune with today’s construction industry agenda by hosting a ‘Women in Construction and Architecture Conference’ in December.
The conference attracted around 30 second and third- year girls from Harlaw, Cults, Westhill, Peterhead and Meldrum academies. The girls took part in workshops, challenges and hands-on activities.
One of the presentations at the conference was delivered by Claire Robertson, trainee quantity surveyor at W M Donald.
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