High Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ) is a specialised and dangerous activity and anyone handling the equipment must be suitably qualified. There are several HPWJ courses – ranging from introductory level to advanced practitioner learning that allows you to use the highest pressures and supervise other users.
Because there are multiple training options, it can be tough – especially for those at the beginning of their HPWJ qualification journey – to understand which is the best course to enrol on.
The following outlines how to choose the one that suits you in three easy steps.
Step 1: Select a couple of potential training providers
While you might only be booking on a single course to start with, the nature of HPWJ means that you’ll need to undertake regular updates to remain current. Going forward, you may also want the opportunity to gain more advanced qualifications.
It helps if you think about choosing a training provider as a partnership. You want to be able to trust that the theoretical and practical education you receive is accurate, well-presented, up-to-date and easy to access. The following are good questions to ask a potential provider:
- What training facilities do you have? The best providers have custom-built facilities that allow you to get plenty of hands-on practice. You might also find companies that will come to a suitable location – perhaps at your place of work or somewhere locally. The latter is more relevant for a company that’s booking several employees onto a course.
- What courses do you offer? You’ll want a training organisation that offers every level of training – from entry level through to advanced user and custom operator options.
- Are all courses guaranteed to adhere to the latest industry standards? As technology advances and equipment changes and improves, so too do the industry regulations for HPWJ training. You should confirm that the provider’s courses reflect the latest industry standards, equipment and techniques.
- Can they evidence positive reviews from previous attendees? This could be in the form of trusted online reviews, handwritten commendations hanging on the walls of the company’s HQ or even verbal recommendations from colleagues and acquaintances that have used the company’s services.
Once you’ve narrowed down your potential HPWJ training provider, it’s time to get personal…
Step 2: Confirm the right student-trainer fit
The above will help you narrow down your options to two (or maybe three) providers. Now it’s time to dig a little deeper and hone the right training for you.
- For those already in the business, will the training organisation recognise any past courses that you’ve taken, along with existing skills? This should be done formally through what’s called a Recognition of Prior Learning or a Credit Transfer. Only a Registered Training Organisation can do this. If a provider says they can’t do this, then you’re advised to look elsewhere.
- For companies looking to send multiple students on a course (and probably do so regularly), ask about group rates and/or discounts per number of employees.
- Ask the company to guide you through the progression route they use to ensure you get the right training for your needs.
Step 3: Choose your course
Once you’ve defined the right training provider, it’s time to book your course.
The following are some of the most commonly held courses that serve the needs of both those wanting to learn the basics of HPWJ through to advanced level practice.
Class A HPWJ – Safe Use of Class “A” Pressure Cleaners (Non-Accredited).
This entry-level course provides instruction on how to operate class A high pressure water jetting equipment and contains theoretical and practical elements. Class A HPWJ systems have a maximum output pressure between 800 – 5600 bar litres per minute. Once successfully passed, you’ll receive a Certificate of Attendance. The course lasts around half a day and is open to those with no previous HPWJ experience.
Discover more about the Safe Use of Class “A” Pressure Cleaners (Non-Accredited) course.
HPWJ Assistant
MSMSS00017 – Use High Pressure Water Jetting Equipment (Release 1)
This accredited course is run in accordance with the HPWJ standard AS 4233:1 and is suitable for those with little or no experience with class B machines. Class B HPWJ systems have a minimum output pressure of 5600 bar litres per minute. Attendees must be at least 18 years old and have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). The course lasts two days and successful attendees will gain an industry-recognised, accredited qualification.
Discover more about the MSMSS00017 – Use High Pressure Water Jetting Equipment (Release 1) – Assistant course.
HPWJ Operator
MSMSS00018 – Operate a High Pressure Water Jetting System (Release 1).
In accordance with HPWJ standard AS 4233:1, successful completion of this course enables you to supervise others using class B HPWJ equipment. You should have already successfully attained the HPWJ Assistant course and have a minimum of 120 hours experience on a variety of class B water jetting tools.
Discover more about the MSMSS00018 – Operate a High Pressure Water Jetting System (Release 1) course.
Assistant (Single Unit)
MSMWJ202 – Use High Pressure Water Jetting Equipment (Release 1)
This ‘refresher’ course is held over one day and is designed for those who:
- need to update their superseded HPWJ qualification, or
- need to renew their skills from previous courses, (‘refresher’ training or verification of competency is recommended at least every 2 years), or
want to complete a standalone, single unit course only.
Discover more about the MSMWJ202 – Use High Pressure Water Jetting Equipment (Release 1) course.
All-Ways Training Services is a leading Australian provider of the latest HPWJ course. Find out more about our training courses, how we recognise previous qualifications and skill levels and our many testimonials from previous students.