Makita takes its training online for Eden partnership

Last month, we joined Makita for a virtual training event. The power equipment manufacturer had recently been chosen by the Eden Project to supply its cordless machines to maintain the grounds, and Makita was wasting no time in ensuring the Eden team were up to date with the health and safety around using its kit.

This training would normally be done in person, but ongoing lockdown restrictions meant two days of Zoom sessions instead – or at least until Makita can offer further face-to-face training. The team at Eden Project were asked to attend two BeSafe sessions – Construction and Outdoor Power Equipment – with Makita’s senior training officer Martin Dunn.

Business development manager Mark Earles introduced the training, proudly speaking of the new five-year partnership between Makita and the Eden Project, before handing over to Martin, who took those in attendance through a thorough health and safety presentation.

There are nearly 50 different Makita tools being supplied as part of the partnership – the majority being cordless kit to ensure improved environmental efficiency. Makita announced last year that it will continue to expand its range of cordless, and Eden will benefit from some of its existing innovations, such as the DUC405PG2 cordless chainsaw, the DCU180Z cordless wheelbarrow and – one of our personal favourites – the DUB363PT2V cordless blower vac.

As soon as easing restrictions allow, Makita will be heading to Eden to provide hands on training with the team, in order for them to gain certifications in chainsaw cross cutting (accredited by UK Rural Skills) and abrasive wheel (accredited by CITB).

It will also be conducting Train the Trainer training, so key members of the Eden team will be able to run the training themselves and bring any new recruits up to speed quickly.

There might be challenges, but Makita is doing as much as it can to enable those at Eden to use its kit safely and confidently. There is an obvious eagerness, though, for Makita to get back to doing what it loves most – showing off its kits with hands on demos and training.

Mark said: “We are delighted to be working with the Eden Project – supplying a wide range of tools and garden machinery products to assist with the upkeep of this beautiful site. We hope that our cordless products will also help the team to improve efficiency, on what is an extensive site, and with over 270 products in our LXT portfolio, we can also ensure that they have access to the right tool or machine for the task at hand.”