--- title: "Jason Dales on Standardising Excellence: How Level 1 Training Transforms Veolia Engineers" description: Discover how Veolia's Level 1 training revolutionises water treatment education, ensuring engineers gain essential knowledge and skills for excellence. image: https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(4).jpg --- Resourcing the world - Newsroom - Newsroom - [Events](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/newsroom/events-listing) - [Latest News](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/latest-news) - About Us - About Us - [Ireland Company Profile](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/company-profile) - [Ireland Careers](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/ireland-careers) - [Ireland Management Team](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/ireland-management-team) - [Testimonials](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/testimonials) - [Veolia Water Technologies](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us) - 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Services - [Global Water Audits](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/services/global-water-audits) - [Hubgrade Digital Solutions](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubgrade-digital-solutions) - [Installed Base Services](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/services/installed-base-services) - [Purified Laboratory Water](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/solutions/services/laboratory-products) - [Water Treatment Chemical Programs](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/services/water-treatment-chemical-programs) - [Mobile Water Services](https://www.watertechnologies.com/products/water-wastewater-services) - Resources - Resources - [Case Studies](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/resources/case-studies) Search [UN Goals](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/acting-and-committing-ecological-transformation) [Contact](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/contact-us) ![](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(4).jpg) [![Reset](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/raw_assets/public/vwt-uk/images/back-arrow-icon.svg) Back](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie) # Jason Dales on Standardising Excellence: How Level 1 Training Transforms Veolia Engineers ![Veolia Water Technologies](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/Veolia%20Case%20Study%20Logo.jpg) by Veolia Water Technologies 10 October 2026 4 minutes read [![Reset](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/raw_assets/public/vwt-uk/images/back-arrow-icon.svg) Back](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie) Follow Connect with us After 25 years at Veolia, I worked my way up from Service Engineer to Service Manager and now as Technical Training Officer, I can wholeheartedly say I've learned one fundamental truth: the engineers who excel aren't just technically skilled, they're fundamentally grounded in the ***why*** behind what they do. That's exactly what Level 1 training at the Veolia Life Centre of Excellence delivers. It's not just about teaching people how water treatment works; it's about building a standardised foundation that transforms how our entire team operates. When I stepped into this training role, I made a commitment: every engineer who walks through our doors would leave with the same level of knowledge, trained the same way, to the same standard. No shortcuts. No "whatever's available on the day." Just excellence, consistently delivered. ### **Understanding the Foundation: What Level 1 Really Is**  **Simple Definition with Profound Impact** If I had to describe Level 1 in a single sentence, it would be this: An introduction to water purification and the equipment that's used to produce purified water for various customer requirements. But that simplicity masks something much deeper. This course, assured by City & Guilds, has been independently verified against world-class global quality benchmarks. That certification means something and it tells our participants that what they're learning isn't just internal knowledge; it's industry-standard, globally recognised expertise. **Who Should Be Here?** Level 1 is designed for individuals new to the water industry, whether they're in sales, engineering, or technical support roles. There's no prerequisite knowledge required. What matters is curiosity and a genuine desire to understand how water treatment actually works. **The Core Philosophy**Everything we teach is built on one principle: Understanding what is in the water you are working with, and what quality of water you would like to have, then doing the process to achieve that. That's it. That's the foundation. Once you grasp that concept, everything else builds logically from there. ### **Why Theoretical Understanding Matters More Than You Think** **The Gap Between Knowing and Understanding** Here's something I see constantly: people can follow procedures without truly understanding why those procedures exist. They can operate equipment without grasping what's happening inside it. And that's where problems can start. Theoretical understanding is essential because it allows you to relate processes, equipment and industry terminology together. When you understand the theory, you're not just following a manual - you're making informed decisions. You can troubleshoot. You can communicate with customers and colleagues at a level that builds trust and credibility. **Clarifying Industry Misconceptions** One of the biggest misconceptions we address in Level 1? Not all water is the same. Attendees come from different backgrounds, different locations, with different water sources. They often assume water treatment is a one-size-fits-all solution. It's not. The quality of water you start with determines the processes you need, the equipment you use, and the standards you must meet. Level 1 makes that crystal clear. ### **How We Structure the Learning Journey** **Safety First, Always** We always start with safety and our Centre of Excellence protocols. That's non-negotiable. Before anyone touches anything, they understand the risks and the procedures that keep them safe. **Building Complexity Progressively** From there, we introduce measurement, more precisely how we measure everything and the units we use. Then best practices and procedures. This foundation is crucial because precision matters in water treatment. Next, we move into what's actually in the water and how to test for it. This is where theory becomes tangible. Attendees start seeing real data, real results, real implications. Then it gets more complex. As understanding deepens, we layer in more sophisticated concepts. But because we've built that foundation properly, the complexity doesn't overwhelm, it builds naturally. **Regulatory Context Throughout** GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) is introduced in our e-learning modules, but we reference limits and standards throughout the entire training. This isn't just compliance theatre, it's also about helping participants understand that there are limits and guidelines, and knowing what actions to take when those limits are approached or reached. ### **The Technology Spectrum: From Basics to Flagship** **Introducing the Full Range** One thing I'm proud of is that we introduce attendees to the full spectrum of Veolia technologies. From Ultrafiltration ([**UFlex**](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/technologies/uflex)) right at the beginning, all the way through to our flagship [**Orion**](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/solutions/technologies/orion) system with RO/CEDI/degassing technology that produces pure water. This matters because it shows participants that water treatment isn't one solution. It's a toolkit. Different customer requirements demand different approaches. Understanding that spectrum means they can think strategically about solutions, not just operationally about equipment. **What Attendees Tell Us** **The Value of Theoretical Focus** When I ask participants what they've gained, the feedback is consistent: "I'm always learning something new, and it's reminding me of things I've learned in the past but may have forgotten." That's exactly what we're aiming for. Whether you're new to the industry or returning to it, Level 1 provides that refresher and that advancement simultaneously. **The Learning Milestone We See Consistently** Here's what excites me most: participants are all learning to the same standard, the same way. That consistency is transformative. It means when they leave here and work together, they're speaking the same language, applying the same principles, working from the same foundation. That has to be the way forward. Not what the trainer feels like teaching on a given day. Not what's available in the moment. Standardised, rigorous, consistent excellence. ### **The Real-World Impact: Why This Matters Beyond the Classroom** **How Life Science Organisations Benefit** When staff possess stronger foundational knowledge, everything changes. They can ask the right questions to customers and colleagues alike. They work knowing what they're doing, what they're testing for, and why it's important. That's not a small thing. That's the difference between a team that executes and a team that understands. And understanding drives better decisions, better customer relationships, and better outcomes. ### **The Future of Training: Where We're Heading** **Hands-On Learning and Virtual Innovation** I believe the future of this training lies in hands-on experience with a live plant room. As new equipment arrives and techniques are developed, having that practical space to work in will be transformative. But we're also exploring the next frontier: a virtual plant room. Imagine attendees being able to familiarise themselves with systems before they even arrive for in-person training. That's the level of preparation and engagement we're working toward. ### **What Drives Me Every Day** **A Two-Way Learning Environment** What motivates me most about leading this programme at the Centre of Excellence? Seeing attendees gain new knowledge and then share that knowledge with others. But here's the thing, it's not one-directional. Every session, I learn something new. Every participant brings their own experience, their own perspective, their own questions. That creates a genuine two-way learning environment, and I can then take those insights and share them with the broader team. That's what keeps this work fresh, relevant and impactful after 25 years. ### **The Bottom Line** Practical Plantroom training to standardise and develop the way our engineers work in Veolia. That's not just a tagline, it’s our mission. Every course, every participant, every day in the classroom is working toward that goal. We're building a culture where excellence isn't an exception; it's the standard. If you're new to the water industry, or if you're looking to deepen your foundational knowledge, Level 1 is where that journey begins. And I'd be honoured to be part of it. **Ready to learn more about water treatment excellence?** Discover more about the Veolia Life Centre of Excellence [**here**](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/veolia-life-science-centre-of-excellence). ## Tags ## Related articles ![Subscribe](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/vwt-uk/subscribe.jpg) ## Sign up to blog notifications Receive the latest blog updates. {|error|} By checking this box, you agree to **Veolia Water Technologies's** [Privacy Policy](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/privacy-policy-veolia-water-technologies) and you agree to receive information on our products and services. Keep me informed ## Thank you for subscribing. Return to blog Note: If you do not receive any emails, please check your junk folder. 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