Several hundred students attending Merrist Wood College, a multi-award winning, 400 acre estate and ‘outdoor classroom’ in Guildford, Surrey, are benefiting from Makita UK’s 'Be Safe' training modules.
The College specialises in a variety of subjects from animal welfare and arboriculture, to landscaping, garden design, equine management, sport, Public Services and horticulture. For students on the land-based courses Makita UK has started to deliver a series of Be Safe modules in grounds maintenance, landscaping and horticulture.
These 1.5 hour Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) Correct and Safe Use modules, which carry the LANTRA Awards Approved Training Provider badge of recognition, provide a grounding in machine selection using the right tool for the job, safe use and correct control of Makita machines used for grounds care, horticulture production and amenity horticulture.
“It is important to give these students an easy-to-understand course in basic machinery safety and selection,” says Kevin Brannigan, marketing manager, Makita UK. “The students will receive some practical training during their courses but it is vital that they appreciate the risks and processes related to powerful equipment such as hedge trimmers, brush cutters, line trimmers and many more pieces of equipment in our Outdoor Be Safe seminars which brings a fresh approach to this important training.”
The first Outdoor Be Safe modules have been delivered and several more are scheduled in the months ahead. From January 2019 and onwards the October 2018 apprenticeship intake will also benefit in the course. This training is completely free of charge and certificates of training are awarded by Makita for all participating students.
“After attending the Makita Be Safe workshops our land-based students were given generous hands-on experience testing some of Makita’s cordless machinery including lawnmowers, chainsaws, strimmers. Linking with Makita UK has been really valuable for our students in showcasing safety but also the direction of quieter and more sustainable options for their core equipment needs,” says Richard Dewing, associate principal curriculum and head of campus - Merrist Wood.
Simultaneously, Makita’s Construction Be Safe modules are being delivered at Guildford College of Further Education, Guildford, Surrey (another college alongside Merrist Wood in the Guildford College group). These are being delivered to students attending the plumbing, electrical and construction courses, with day-release apprentices also attending from January 2019 onwards.
