RIBA Accredited Continued Professional Development Courses: Elevating Project Management Standards

RIBA Accredited Continued Professional Development Courses: Elevating Project Management Standards

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

Continuing professional development (CPD) in the construction industry is essential to keep skills up-to-date and learn new processes. Within the ventilation sector, awareness of new regulations and industry development is key to making competent, accurate decisions.

Not only does continued professional development equip you to address the challenges within the ventilation industry with confidence, but it also demonstrates your desire to be an expert in the field. 

What is continued professional development?

Continued professional development is a process to maintain and develop the knowledge you have within a particular industry. It allows you to enhance your skills and learn more about the industry to promote career development. Continued professional development can open doors to a higher-level role in an organisation and give you more responsibility and a higher salary.

The difference between continued professional development and in-house training is that you are responsible for your own development. You choose which courses to take and set your objectives. It can include both informal and formal studying. 

Good to know

Some companies will allow you time off to study for continued professional development, and some may even pay for it as an incentive for you to further your career.

From keeping up with industry news by reading the latest publications to taking an online or in-classroom course or watching webinars, continued professional development is a useful way to progress within your career.  

What are the benefits of ventilation continued professional development?

Continued professional development expands your knowledge and can help you become a specialist in the field of ventilation. This has several advantages, both for career development and ventilation system efficiency.

The benefits of continued professional development for your career

• Knowledge improvement – being aware of the latest equipment, such as MEV (Mechanical Extraction Ventilation) or MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) and its suitability for different projects, such as new builds or Passivhaus design is key for implementing successful projects.

In addition to understanding the technical aspects of ventilation,  knowledge of how it affects environmental and health issues can widen your expertise. From information on how adequate ventilation can protect the ozone layer to its contribution to reducing health problems, continued professional development provides an all-round education of the sector.

• Networking – meet others in the ventilation field, share experiences and learn from each other. It's always useful to have contacts to discuss issues or ideas with.

• Raise your profile – your commitment to continued professional development shows colleagues and clients that you're dedicated to becoming a ventilation expert. This boosts your reputation as a professional in the industry who knows what they're talking about. 

Good to know – further your career in ventilation 

Being aware of the latest regulations and technology within the ventilation industry can be a step up the career ladder and make you a valuable asset within your company. 

The benefits of continued professional development for the ventilation industry

• Effective solutions - projects managed by knowledgeable stakeholders are more likely to run smoothly and efficiently. This translates to quality and competent cost control – two key factors for successful ventilation system installation.

• Breeds confidence - specialist knowledge can also encourage clients to upgrade to a more complex system that may better suit their project. Understanding the differences in various ventilation solutions allows you to confidently explain the benefits and long-term cost savings associated with a higher-performing system, ultimately leading to satisfied clients and more successful projects.

• Awareness of compliance requirements – building regulations evolve and change, and keeping up with the latest ventilation regulations can help avoid expensive errors within a project. 

Not only can non-compliance lead to project delays and rework, but it can also

result in hefty fines or even the inability to obtain building control approval. By staying up-to-date, you can ensure your ventilation designs meet all the necessary performance standards, saving time, money, and frustration for yourself and your clients. This can also help you anticipate future regulatory changes and design adaptable systems that can be easily modified if needed.

• Approved Document F of the building regulations applies to ventilation, with a particular emphasis on energy efficiency and clean air to prevent respiratory problems. Continued professional development ensures you're up-to-date with the latest revisions and interpretations of these regulations and how they apply to a particular project.

• Latest technology implementation – from understanding how a software system is used for time tracking to installing ventilation system smart controls to enhance sustainability, embracing technology in the ventilation industry is the way forward.

• Enhanced reputation – a highly skilled workforce, whether designers, installation engineers or project managers, reflects a company's commitment to high standards and innovation.

What continued professional development is available in the ventilation sector?

EnviroVent offers an industry-recognised, RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) accredited continued professional development course for professionals in the industry. RIBA is a global association that works to ensure building excellence, from design through to construction and operation.

The course is suitable for architects, designers, engineers, mechanical consultants and specifiers.

It takes one hour and includes:

• The importance of adequate and efficient ventilation
• An understanding of building regulation-compliant ventilation systems
• Choosing the right ventilation system for a construction project
• Best practices – installation, commissioning and design
• Ventilation system maintenance and after-care

Taking the course will give you an understanding of:

• The health impact of poor ventilation and why adequate ventilation is essential
• Approved Document means of ventilation strategies and how to remain compliant 
• Notifiable works and incumbent installer responsibility
• Meeting consumer needs through the specification process

The objective of the course is to enhance knowledge of all aspects of ventilation project management, whether you're micro-managing your part of the process or overseeing the whole project.

Continued professional development is an investment in your future and gives you the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the ventilation industry.

3 points to remember

• Continued professional development is followed on your own initiative.
• Continued professional development is a gateway to a senior career in ventilation.
• Expanding your ventilation knowledge means you will be contributing to the installation of energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly ventilation systems.