Training guide
Getting started
At COTS Training, our aim is to make the day feel straightforward from the outset, with clear joining instructions, a well-run schedule and support when you need it.
Although every course is slightly different, most training days follow a similar pattern. This helps you arrive prepared, understand how the day will run, and get the most from your training.
Getting ready
Before your course
Once you have booked, you will receive confirmation of your course details, including the location, start time and anything specific you need to bring.
For refresher training, you may also be asked to send evidence of your current or recently expired card or certificate before the course date. This helps make sure everything is in place before you arrive.
If you have any specific needs or require reasonable adjustments in relation to a disability, it is best to contact the team ahead of time so arrangements can be discussed and agreed in advance.
Please note that, due to insurance restrictions, COTS Training cannot deliver training courses to anyone under the age of 18.
Getting ready
What you need to bring
What you need will vary depending on the course, but there are some essentials that apply to many training environments.
In most cases, you should expect to bring:
- Photographic ID for verification
- Appropriate PPE and clothing for the course
For many plant, construction and industrial courses, steel, toe-capped safety footwear is compulsory. You should also wear clothing suitable for practical training, particularly if the course involves working outdoors or around equipment.
If you are unsure what is required, check your booking confirmation or contact our team before the course. Arriving prepared helps the day run smoothly and avoids delays.
Getting here
Travel, parking and finding the venue
Training may take place at a COTS Training centres or at customer premises, depending on the course. Your booking confirmation will include the venue details and any directions you need. If you are unsure about travelling to the site, parking arrangements or public transport options, it is always worth getting in touch before the course so you can plan ahead and avoid any last-minute stress.
Head office & Training Centre
Llandarcy
Skills House
Tank Farm Road
Llandarcy
SA10 6EN
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Training Centre
Railside
Brunel Way
Briton Ferry
SA11 2YR
(Access via Swansea Motor Vehicle Auctions)
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Arrival
What happens when you arrive
When you arrive, you will be welcomed by the team, signed in and taken through any checks or paperwork needed before the course starts.
Once everyone is ready, the instructor will explain how the day will run, including:
- The training format
- The facilities available
- Any health and safety requirements specific to the site
If you have not trained with COTS Training before, don’t worry. The day is designed to be clear and easy to follow, and you will be guided through what is expected step by step.
On the day
What your training day looks like
Most training courses include a mix of theory and practical training, depending on the subject. Some are classroom-based, while others involve practical exercises, equipment use or site-based activity.
In most cases, there is also time built in for:
- Questions and clarification
- Guidance from the instructor
- Any required assessment
This applies across many areas of training, including plant, construction, industrial and health and safety courses, where both knowledge and practical ability are important.
Candidates are usually asked to arrive around 15 minutes before the course start time. This gives enough time for signing in, ID checks and any other administration before training begins.
On a full-day course, you can also expect:
- A morning break
- A lunch break
- An afternoon break
Exact timings will always be confirmed in your booking email.
Food and drink
Breaks, lunch and refreshments
If you are training at a COTS Training centre, refreshments such as tea, coffee and biscuits are usually available.
Lunch is not provided, so it is worth planning ahead. You may want to bring food with you or use nearby cafés and shops where available.
If training is delivered at your workplace, break and lunch arrangements will depend on the site and what is available on the day.
On-site training
If your course is taking place at your workplace
On-site training can be a good option, particularly for businesses arranging workplace or in-house training. However, it does rely on having the right setup in place before the instructor arrives.
This usually includes:
- Equipment that is safe to use and correctly maintained
- Up-to-date service history and certification, where required
- Enough space to carry out training and assessment properly
- Relevant documentation, such as manufacturer handbooks
For some accredited training programmes, including certain NPORS categories, there are additional compliance requirements around equipment, space and site conditions. If these requirements are not met, the course may not be able to go ahead.
COTS Training will confirm expectations in advance to help avoid any issues on the day.
Language support
Overseas workers and translation
Some accredited theory tests include technical language and safety-critical questions.
Where English is not the candidate’s first language, awarding bodies may strongly recommend the use of an accredited translator so the assessment remains fair, accurate and compliant.
If a translator is used, there are usually requirements around impartiality and competence, and evidence may be needed for audit purposes.
Funding support
CITB levy and funding
If you are booking an accredited course, rather than in-house training, and you are a CITB Levy Payer, you may need to provide your levy number so the training can be registered correctly, and any eligible funding can be applied.
If you are unsure whether this applies to your booking, the COTS Training team can advise.
Common questions
Training FAQs
C01
What time does training usually start and finish?
This depends on the course, but many full-day training courses run within standard working hours. Your booking email will confirm the exact start and finish time.
C02
Do I need to arrive early?
Yes. Candidates are normally asked to arrive around 15 minutes before the start time, so ID checks and admin can be completed before training begins.
C03
What should I wear?
Wear practical clothing suitable for the course environment. For many plant and industrial training courses, steel, toe-capped safety footwear is required, and some courses may also need additional PPE.
C04
What happens if I forget my PPE or ID?
If you do not bring the required PPE or photographic ID, you may not be able to take part in the course for safety and compliance reasons.
C05
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is not provided. Refreshments are available at the COTS Training centre, and there are cafés and shops nearby, but it is best to plan ahead.
C06
I am renewing a qualification. Do I need to bring my existing card or certificate?
For refresher training, you may be asked to provide evidence of your current or recently expired card or certificate before the course date. A scanned copy is usually acceptable.
C07
Can COTS Training make adjustments if I have a disability or specific needs?
Yes. Candidates are encouraged to get in touch before the course so that reasonable adjustments can be discussed and arranged where possible.
C08
Can training be delivered at our site?
In many cases, yes. Your site will need suitable space, appropriate equipment and any relevant documentation or certification needed for practical training. COTS Training can advise on what is required before you book.
C09
When do I need to pay for my course?
All course fees are payable in advance unless credit terms have been agreed. If credit terms are agreed, they are 30 days net. A minimum non-refundable deposit of £200 is required unless the course fee is lower, in which case the full fee is payable at the time of booking.
C10
What happens if I need to cancel my course?
Written cancellations received at least 10 working days before the course starts are refunded less 20%. Later cancellations or non-attendance are charged at the full course fee. COTS Training also reserves the right to cancel or defer a course due to circumstances beyond its control.