Graf UK expands its training offering
Specifiers, merchants and distributors set to join installers in learning about Graf UK systems.
At a time when many drainage systems manufacturers’ training offer extends to one-hour CPDs, Graf UK is investing a minimum of a half-day training to ensure customers are kept abreast of ever-evolving regulations and the wide variety of options available.
The company is rallying in the face of Covid adversity and pressing ahead with plans to extend its half-day and full-day training courses on wastewater, rainwater and stormwater solutions from installers to specifiers, merchants and distributors.
The company, which has a dedicated training centre at its Banbury headquarters, introduced as-and-when training courses for installers some 18 months ago and due to demand – and the recent change in the General Binding Rules – had just enhanced this to monthly seminars when lockdown was declared.
Now these are running again, the company will also be offering architects, merchants and distributors the opportunity to learn about its innovative and cost-effective wastewater, rainwater and stormwater solutions, using life-size and miniature working models.
During the courses, discussion and open debate are encouraged as Graf UK uses the feedback to tweak and adapt its products, systems and operations to optimise its service delivery for customers from all sectors. The company’s sales staff often attend so they can get the feedback first-hand.
Technical product specialist David Stagg said: “It’s always interesting and beneficial to hear from installers and service providers how they work, what works well for them and where they may have problems. The more we work with them and develop relationships, the more it reaps dividends for all involved.”
Classroom training is followed by some practical learning with rainwater guru Jamie Rolph who has worked closely with Graf UK for several years, commissioning and servicing their wastewater and rainwater harvesting systems. This hands-on element uses the working models in the display area.
The training seminars for architects and specifiers will focus on how Graf UK’s in-house technical team can help in the early design stage of projects, how the systems are engineered and produced to the highest quality standards, and how the company’s lifetime support plan minimises risk for specifiers by giving end users peace of mind throughout a product’s design life. If an end user uses a Graf UK accredited service provider, the company increases the warranty on technology from two to three years.
Training courses for Approved Service Providers involve classroom and practical work as well as field trips to a minimum of two live Graf wastewater treatment systems to run through in more detail their workings and what is required to service or troubleshoot them. Successful delegates are presented with a certificate, Graf ID card and Graf tool kit.
Former mechanical engineer Bryan Gynn completed Graf UK’s approved service provider course in January.
He had already installed three Graf UK sewage treatment plants on a building site within a critical drainage area in Launceston, Cornwall. The systems, which included space-saving infiltration tunnels for the drainage field, met all planning and Building Regulations approval and were signed off by Cornwall Council’s drainage team.
Bryan said: “The training from Graf UK has helped gain similar approvals for six more building sites nearby within the critical drainage area and with limited room for a drainage field.
“Anyone working within this field and having to comply with the new General Binding Rules (rightly in place to protect water quality and conform to Building Regulations that are seriously outdated) would find immediate value in working with Graf products and attending their seminars and training courses.”
He added: “On the back of the information received from Graf and Graf technical, I have set up a new company, Chapple Water Management, and I am very confident of future success working with Graf products available for immediate delivery here in Cornwall.”
Graf UK also provides in-depth, in-branch staff training for builders’ merchants and distributors.
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