SEATS Training: How Does it Work?
Environmental responsibility isn’t optional anymore- it’s a fundamental aspect of good practice and compliance, especially in the construction industry. SEATS training is designed for site supervisors, managers, or anyone in the industry who’s responsible for environmental impact.
But how does the course actually work? In today’s blog, we’ll look at the Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme in more detail, covering the ideal candidate for the course, the topics covered, the format, and more.
What is the Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme?
The course lasts one day, and was developed by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). It provides candidates with all the fundamentals regarding environmental issues on construction sites, so they can be better equipped to deal with them- and prevent them. The goal of the course is to ensure that, across construction sites, environmental best practices are consistently being followed throughout all daily operations.
Who Needs SEATS Training in Construction?
The training tends to be most relevant for site supervisors and site managers- anyone who’s responsible for overseeing work activities, and for compliance with environmental policies.
The content covered is foundational, so you can take the course even if you don’t have much understanding of site-level environmental issues. The course will provide you with this understanding.
If you do already know the basics, however, you should still take the course to refresh your knowledge.
What Topics Are Covered on the Course?
The course covers a comprehensive range of environmental topics relevant to a construction site. The syllabus is designed to provide practical, actionable knowledge that can be applied immediately.
Key areas include Environmental Management Systems (EMS), understanding what they are and why they’re important on site. Waste management is a significant component, covering the waste hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, dispose), effective waste segregation, and legal requirements for waste disposal. Pollution prevention and control are explored, identifying common sources of pollution (e.g., water, air, land, noise), understanding their impacts, and implementing control measures such as spill prevention and dust suppression. Legal and regulatory frameworks are also covered, providing an overview of key environmental legislation relevant to construction.
SEATS Training: What You’ll Learn
Upon completing the course, you’ll have gained a solid understanding of your responsibilities concerning environmental protection on a construction site. You’ll learn why environmental management is critical, understanding the moral, legal, and financial drivers behind environmental responsibility.
You’ll become familiar with relevant environmental legislation, knowing the key laws that apply to construction and your duties under them. Plus, you’ll learn how to respond to environmental incidents, understanding basic procedures for dealing with spills or other emergencies. Lastly, the course will enlighten you on the importance of environmental management systems, and how they help organise and manage environmental performance, clarifying your crucial role in preventing environmental damage.
The Role of Environmental Awareness on Site
Environmental awareness on a construction site extends beyond mere compliance. It’s about fostering a proactive culture that minimises harm to the natural world, and maximises resource efficiency. This awareness directly translates into reduced pollution incidents, preventing spills, controlling dust, and managing noise. It leads to improved waste management, resulting in less waste sent to landfill and potential cost savings.
SEATS Training: Duration, Format, and Delivery
SEATS is a one-day course. It’s delivered by CITB-accredited training providers like CST Training.
The online version of the course provides the flexibility of remote learning, while maintaining the interactive elements. Candidates need to attend all sessions to be eligible for assessment.
Why Environmental Responsibility Matters in Construction
Environmental responsibility isn’t just a peripheral issue in construction; it’s central to modern practice. It matters for several crucial reasons. Legal compliance is paramount, as strict environmental laws carry heavy penalties for non-compliance, including significant fines, legal prosecution, and even imprisonment for serious offences.
SEATS Training: Entry Requirements and Eligibility
The SEATS training is highly accessible, with very few formal entry requirements. There are no prior academic qualifications needed, meaning you do not need specific GCSEs or A-Levels to enrol. While some construction site experience can be beneficial for providing context, it is not a prerequisite, as the course is designed for a broad audience, including new entrants. Delegates should, however, have a good understanding of spoken and written English to effectively engage with the course content and complete the assessment. In terms of age, learners must be at least 16 years old to attend the course. Essentially, anyone working or planning to work on a construction site who needs an understanding of environmental issues is eligible for SEATS.
How the SEATS Course Prepares You for Real-World Challenges
The SEATS course goes beyond theory, specifically preparing you for real-world environmental challenges on site. You’ll learn proactive identification, gaining skills in how to spot potential environmental hazards before they become incidents. The course teaches effective control implementation, providing practical steps to manage common issues like dust, noise, water run-off, and hazardous waste. You’ll also learn vital incident response, understanding what immediate actions to take if an environmental incident occurs. Communication strategies are covered, showing you how to effectively communicate environmental requirements and best practices to your team.
Finally, the course reinforces the importance of compliance, demonstrating how your actions contribute to the site meeting its legal and client-specific environmental obligations.
SEATS Training: Assessment and Certification Explained
At the end of the one-day course, candidates undergo an assessment to confirm their understanding of the course material. The assessment format is typically a multiple-choice examination, which is a short test designed to quickly ascertain comprehension. The questions cover all key topics from the syllabus, ensuring a balanced understanding of environmental awareness. A specific pass mark needs to be achieved to pass the assessment.
Upon completion, delegates receive a CITB Site Safety Plus certificate for Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS). This certificate is valid for five years.
Can You Take the SEATS Course Online?
The training course is widely available to take online via a virtual classroom. This has become an increasingly popular option due to its flexibility. Participants engage in live, tutor-led sessions over a video conferencing platform, interacting in discussions and activities as they would in a physical classroom. This online format provides the same rigorous training and leads to the same official CITB certificate as the in-person course, making it a highly convenient choice for busy construction professionals who need to balance their learning with ongoing work commitments.
SEATS Training: How It Benefits Supervisors and Operatives
The course offers a number of distinct benefits to both supervisors and operatives. For Supervisors, it equips them with the knowledge to implement environmental management plans, lead by example, conduct effective environmental briefings, identify and rectify non-compliance, and ultimately ensure their section of the site operates responsibly, reducing legal risks for the company. For Operatives, it provides essential awareness of their individual environmental responsibilities, enabling them to understand the impact of their actions, safely handle materials, correctly segregate waste, and know what to do in an environmental emergency. It empowers them to contribute positively to the site’s environmental performance.
What to Expect on the Day of Your SEATS Course
The instructor will guide you through the syllabus using a combination of presentations, videos, and real-world case studies from construction environments. There will be ample opportunities for group discussions, short exercises, and for you to ask questions, ensuring clarification of any complex points. The atmosphere will be collaborative and supportive, encouraging participants to share their own experiences and learn from both the instructor and their peers. The course will conclude with the multiple-choice assessment, so it’s recommended to arrive well-rested, and prepared to actively participate and absorb the information.
SEATS Training: How to Book and Get Started
Booking your training is a straightforward process. First, find an approved provider like CST Training. Next, choose your preferred format, deciding whether a classroom-based or an online virtual classroom course suits you best. Then, check available dates and prices, selecting a time that fits your schedule, and comparing what different providers offer in terms of support and value. Finally, book your place by following the provider’s specific instructions, which usually involve online registration and payment. Some providers may send pre-course materials or advise on specific equipment needed for online sessions, which you should review before the course begins.
Conclusion (SEATS Training: How Does it Work?)
The SEATS training is a vital and accessible one-day course that comprehensively equips construction professionals with essential environmental awareness. It works by delivering practical knowledge on waste management, pollution prevention, legal compliance, and resource efficiency through interactive learning. Designed for anyone with environmental responsibilities on site, from operatives to managers, this training directly enhances safety, boosts compliance, and promotes sustainable practices. By undertaking this training, you not only gain a valuable CITB-recognised certificate but also become a crucial contributor to making construction a more environmentally responsible industry.
If you still have any questions regarding the course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
