The event provided attendees — including representatives from major contractors, local authorities, and utility companies — with the opportunity to tour the centre, speak directly with instructors, and witness live demonstrations of key training disciplines.

Sibbald Training, which offers around 200 different courses, was joined by key partners HSS Training and SpanSet. These partnerships enable the business to deliver specialist training while maintaining quality and consistency at its purpose-built 18-acre facility, which features 19 classrooms and accommodates between 70 and 100 trainees daily.

Director John Sibbald explained that the goal of the event was to highlight the scope and quality of training available on-site. “Health and safety standards continue to rise, and we’ve adapted to that demand,” John said. “Over the past 10–15 years, we’ve expanded well beyond plant training to serve sectors such as utilities, engineering, manufacturing, and logistics.”

Demonstrations on the day included:

    • MEWP - Mobile Elevated Work Platform Rescue – Using scissor lifts & boom. 
    • Working at height and rescue
    • Confined space training using 35 metres of underground tunnels
    • Operation of telehandlers, including the Roto telehandler permanently based at Sibbald Park
    • Lifting operations using Liebherr crane & Hi-ab plant lorry, both permanently based at Sibbald Park
    • Street works including cable/service avoidance, signing lighting and guarding and excavation. 

The open day was especially aimed at decision-makers — training coordinators, health & safety officers, and procurement teams — many of whom do not typically attend courses themselves.

“It was important for them to see the facilities first-hand,” said John. “When quotes look the same on paper, quality and experience are what truly set us apart.”

John highlighted that a practical, hands-on approach remains at the heart of Sibbald’s training philosophy. “We offer e-learning and virtual courses, but our foundation is still practical, real-world experience,” he added.

In addition to expanding its course offering, Sibbald Training has invested in new technology, including a custom-built CRM system this year, that gives clients access to training records, bookings, and documentation through a secure online portal.

New courses such as novice and transitional ROTO telehandler training have been launched recently, alongside in-house lorry loader training — now available under NPORS and CPCS, with ALLMI to follow.

Sibbald Training is also actively involved in the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Modern Apprenticeship Fund, supporting apprentices through plant, lifting and general construction operatives qualifications.

A former president of the Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA), John expressed concern over growing skills shortages across the sector and rising employment costs. “The industry is facing a significant challenge,” he said. “We hope events like this can encourage employers to invest in proper training and in the next generation of workers.”

Interested in Training with Sibbald?

If you’re considering training with Sibbald Training and would like to visit our Blackridge site for a tour, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll be happy to show you around and discuss the best options for your training needs.