A SMALL Okehampton drainage company is taking on some of industry?s big players ? its high level of training was recently recognised with shortlisting for a National Training Award. Founded in Okehampton more than ten years ago, Drainology survey, repair and maintain drains for a variety of customers. Unable to recruit qualified staff locally they have instead focused on rigorously training their own employees. The National Training Awards are the UK?s number one accolade for businesses, organisations and individuals who have achieved lasting excellence and success through training and learning. As one of the 15 shorlisted firms, Drainology will now have to wait until the regional National Training Awards ceremony takes place in Bristol next month to find out if they have won an award. After starting as a ?two-man band?, Drainology now employs ten staff, and its workforce has undergone a rigorous training programme that has seen them gain numerous new skills and qualifications. The majority of skills training is delivered on-the-job by colleagues under a CITB-approved training plan, although external training also takes place with engineers achieving a 100% pass rate in CSCS health and safety tests, and all operatives having achieved a minimum NVQ level 2 in construction and civil engineering. In addition, the company has achieved Investors in People status and the CSCS certificate of commitment, gold standard, as well as both CHAS and constructionline registration. ?The learning has changed the company ethos quite dramatically,? said managing director David West. ?Ongoing training and qualification is a firm and important element of our business plan, and the proven competence and professionalism of the staff is a key marketing advantage. ?The learning programme and its benefits have made a significant change to our future prospects. ?We now feel empowered to take on our larger and financially stronger competitors with confidence ? and that?s exactly what we?re going to do.?