Latest News & Articles

The Benefits of Level 2 NCO Water Training for Businesses and Operatives

The water industry relies on skilled people who can do the job safely, correctly, and to a high standard. The Level 2 NCO Water qualification helps make that happen. It gives employees the technical skills they need while giving businesses the confidence that their workforce can deliver reliable results.

This qualification is designed for those involved in building, maintaining, and repairing w...

Why Medium Risk Confined Spaces Training Can Save Lives

Confined spaces are never as simple as they look. A manhole, a tank, or a trench might seem like just another part of the job, but the risks they carry can be deadly. Even experienced workers know that conditions can change in seconds. One missed step, one faulty piece of equipment, or one unexpected hazard can turn a routine task into an emergency.

That’s where medium risk confined spaces trai...

Why EUSR SHEA Water Training Matters for Your Career

If you work in the water industry, you’ve probably heard of EUSR SHEA Water training. It’s not just another card in your wallet — it’s a requirement for many jobs and a practical tool that makes your workday safer and more efficient. The training covers the basics of staying safe on site. You’ll learn how to spot hazards, follow safe systems of work, and understand the legal duties you have under...

Ensuring Safe, Compliant Water Supply with Confidence

For businesses working in infrastructure, construction, or utilities, mains commissioning isn’t just another box to tick — it’s a smart, strategic move. Done right, it ensures safety, compliance, and peace of mind, not just for regulators, but for clients, end users, and your own reputation.

So, what exactly is mains commissioning?

In short, it’s the process of checking that new or alter...

Why is Water Hygiene Training Essential for On-Site Work

Ensuring the integrity and safety of the water supply is a fundamental responsibility for professionals working in the water industry. Whether you are a contractor, water company employee, or subcontractor, maintaining high standards of water hygiene is essential for public health and regulatory compliance. The National Water Hygiene (NWH) scheme, commonly referred to as the ‘Blue Card’, is a reco...

The Career-Boosting Benefits of New Roads and Street Works (NRSWA) Training

In the infrastructure and utilities sectors, regulatory compliance, safety, and operational efficiency are paramount. Whether you're a contractor, local authority representative, or utilities professional, ensuring that your workforce is properly trained in New Roads and Street Works (NRSWA) is critical. But beyond meeting legal requirements, how can NRSWA training elevate careers and business suc...

The Deadline Approaches for Network Construction Operations Becoming Mandatory

It's important that contractors in the water industry are aware of the upcoming requirements for the Level 2 Network Construction Operations (NCO) qualification becoming mandatory by April 2025. This change is aimed at ensuring that all operatives working on developer services have the necessary competency levels.

To prepare for this mandatory requirement, contractors should assess their qu...

Designing a Successful Mains and Service Laying Course

Merit Skills provides industry-relevant training in the water industry. In response to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the utility sectors, we have developed a comprehensive course designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and hands-on expertise related to Mains and Service Laying.

We identified gaps in NCO Mains and Service Laying delivery that needed to be add...

The Future of Training in the Water Industry: Navigating Towards Innovation

The demand for clean and safe water is increasing as the global population rises. In response to climate change and technological advancements, the water industry is experiencing significant transformation. This includes not only changes in water treatment and delivery, but also in the way professionals are trained. In this article, we will explore the future of training in the water industry, foc...

The Importance of Safe Manual Handling at Work

As we all know, the workplace can be a hazardous environment, especially if you are required to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy loads. Manual handling injuries are the leading cause of workplace injuries and lost work time. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, disability, and even death. Manual handling injuries affect not only the worker but also their families, the employer, and the wider c...

New Leakage and Distribution Trainer Joins the Team

We are pleased to welcome Michael Smith to our Leakage and Distribution training team. Michael will be providing training to many of our clients within the water industry, but first here is a bit about him -

After serving an apprenticeship as a vehicle technician and spending 7 years within the automotive industry, I decided that it wasn't for me and that I wanted to follow in my father and gra...

New Health and Safety Trainer Joins Our Growing Team

We are happy to welcome Gary Armstrong to our Health and Safety training team. With a long history in health and safety Gary brings years of experience and knowledge to our team.

After deciding halfway through my A levels that more education wasn’t for me, and that earning was much more important, I decided to join the Royal Air Force as a ground engineer. What was an initial 9-year commitment,...