In the UK trades and construction industry, technical knowledge alone is no longer enough. You might know how to wire a consumer unit or route a cable run—but if you’re exposed to asbestos, struggle with manual handling, or work at height without proper training—you’re at risk.
As a qualified Site Manager and CEO of Learn Trade Skills in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, I’ve seen how the right safety training makes the difference between being asked back on site, and being a liability. That’s why the CPD modules on Asbestos Awareness, Manual Handling, and Working at Height aren’t add-ons in our courses—they’re front-and-centre.
This article explains why these three training elements are absolutely critical, what the statistics say (yes, we’ve got data from the Health and Safety Executive), and how we deliver them in a practical, trades-friendly way at Learn Trade Skills.
Despite the material being banned in 1999, asbestos continues to claim lives. According to the HSE’s “Mesothelioma and Asbestosis mortality in Great Britain 1968-2022” report, there were 2,257 deaths from mesothelioma in Great Britain in 2022.Industry commentators estimate around 5,000 deaths annually when you include asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.
For anyone working in refurbishment, maintenance, or low-risk electrical tasks, encountering asbestos-containing materials is a real possibility. You don’t need to disturb it to be at risk—lack of awareness, poor procedures and incidental exposure all feature heavily.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) arising from manual handling remain a major cause of ill-health. HSE’s data shows that construction trades are among those with the highest prevalence of back and upper-limb injuries due to handling tasks. One source estimates 472,000 workers experienced MSDs in 2023/24 due to poor handling and repetitive work. National Claims
A tradesperson may never think they’ll need “manual-handling training” when they’re tooled up to install wiring—but lifting junction boxes, routing cables, hoisting units, or working in awkward positions all add up. Without awareness and correct technique, you’re piling up injury risk.
Falls from height continue to be the leading cause of worker fatalities in Great Britain. HSE data shows that for 2023-24, falls from height accounted for about 36% of fatal injuries. That’s not a small fraction—it’s the biggest category of fatal accidents.
In electrics and maintenance, “working at height” may mean a ladder, mobile platform, rooftop or mezzanine—whatever the scenario, without training you face serious danger. It’s the kind of detail site managers inspect first.
Knowing the signs of asbestos (and that you might disturb it) is essential. In older buildings especially (like many in Hertfordshire, Enfield or Broxbourne), materials still contain legacy asbestos. Proper training means you identify potential hazards, stop work safely, and call for specialist removal. Without it, your electrical competence is one step away from risk.
Consider the simple act of carrying a consumer unit, straining to lift cable barrels, or stooping to install conduit. Tradespeople do dozens of these moves a day. Safe technique reduces long-term injuries, builds resilience, and keeps you on site rather than off. For employers, it means fewer lost days and better retention.
Even single-step ladder work qualifies here. At our centre in Cheshunt, we train learners in correct ladder selection, platform use, stability checks, risk assessment and rescue protocols. It’s not just useful—it’s essential. The industry hopes you’ll “know what you’re doing at height,” so you can deliver, stay safe, and maintain your reputation.
At our facility in Cheshunt, serving Broxbourne, Enfield and across Hertfordshire, we’ve built the CPD into every trade-led course—especially the Basic Electrical Course. Here’s what it looks like:
We teach technical wiring skills, terminations, isolation and consumer units—and we wrap that in a safety culture so you leave as an asset to your team, not a risk.
At Learn Trade Skills, our Basic Electrical Course brings everything together — hands-on electrical training and essential CPD safety modules under one roof. It’s an EAL-approved programme developed by the industry, for the industry, giving learners real practical experience in wiring, consumer units, and safe isolation, while also completing certified training in Asbestos Awareness, Manual Handling, and Working at Height. Based at our Cheshunt training centre and serving Broxbourne, Enfield, and Hertfordshire, the course prepares beginners and tradespeople to work safely, confidently, and to recognised industry standards from day one.
For residents and tradespeople in Hertfordshire (Cheshunt, Broxbourne) and neighbouring Enfield, this course means something special.
Your local industry expects competence; many clients and employers now check not just NVQs but CPD certificates in asbestos, manual handling and working at height. Being trained locally and recognised by employers here gives you a competitive advantage and positions you for work not just in Hertfordshire, but across London and beyond.
Q: What exactly is a “Working at Height Training” module?
A: Practical training on ladder/platform selection, risk assessment, fall-prevention measures, and safe access for low/medium-height tasks typical in electrical work.
Q: Is the Asbestos Awareness Training part of the same course?
A: Yes. We integrate the asbestos awareness module into our Basic Electrical Course so that electrical learners don’t leave without this essential competence.
Q: Will I receive certification for these CPD modules?
A: Yes. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate that documents your training in all three CPD areas (asbestos, manual handling, working at height), which is increasingly required by employers.
Q: Does this mean I’m a qualified electrician?
A: No. This training gives you safe foundational competence. For full electrician status you’ll progress into qualifications such as BS 7671 (18th Edition), Part P or the Gold Card Electrical Pathway.
Q: Why do employers care about manual handling or working at height for an electrical role?
A: Because these are the real day-to-day risks encountered. Wires, rooftops, consumer units, ladders, cable runs—all come with risk. Demonstrated training means you’re safer, more reliable and more hireable.
At Learn Trade Skills, we believe trades training must be more than technical. It must be safe, practical and comprehensive. The integration of Asbestos Awareness, Manual Handling and Working at Height training in our courses reflects the reality of modern site work.
If you want to build a career, become a competent tradesperson, or supervise others with confidence, make these three trainings non-negotiable.
Check out our course offerings today and book your place. Let’s raise standards — together.
Tolga Aramaz is the Director of Learn Trade Skills (LTS), a family-run training centre specialising in electrical installations. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the electrical industry, Tolga is known for their exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering outstanding results. They provide valuable insights and guidance to electricians, contractors, and businesses, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety protocols. Through engaging training programmes and consultancy services, Tolga empowers professionals to excel in their roles, fostering long-term relationships built on professionalism and customer satisfaction.
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William Goss
Electrician course
11/11/2024
