Innovation Award winner: TomKat Gas Training proves learning doesn't stop when the course ends
31 Jul 2026
Pictured left to right: Neill Ovenden, Operations Director at LCL Awards, Derek Robins, Director at TomKat Gas Training
Winner of the Innovation Award at LCL Awards - ‘The Awards’ 2026, TomKat Gas Training impressed the judges by rethinking how engineers learn, developing practical digital tools that support learners before, during and after training.
One judge described TomKat as offering “a new way of looking at training,” praising its use of digital tools that engineers can use “on the go” rather than solely in the classroom. They added, “I was impressed by the sheer practicality of these innovations.”
For TomKat’s Director, Derek Robins, the award is recognition of a philosophy that has always guided the training centre.
“We’re only a small, family-run training centre, so to be recognised for something like this is a big thing,” he said.
“We’ve always tried to do more than just get people through an assessment. Passing is obviously important, but we want people to leave understanding what they’re doing and feeling more confident when they go back out to work.”
Learning beyond the classroom
At the core of TomKat’s approach is a simple belief: learning shouldn’t stop when the course ends.
Over the past year, the training centre has developed a growing range of digital resources designed to help engineers continue learning wherever they are. Mobile-friendly engineering calculators, downloadable worksheets, inspection guides, fault-finding activities and bite-sized learning resources provide practical support both during training and out in the field.
Rather than replacing classroom teaching, these tools complement it by making technical information more accessible when it’s needed most.
"People don't stop learning when the course finishes," Derek explained.
"We've always tried to support people before, during and after training, not just while they're sat in the classroom."
Practical tools for real engineers
TomKat's innovation is rooted in solving real-world problems - rather than pursuing technology for technology's sake, the centre has focused on creating resources that simplify technical subjects, reduce learner overwhelm and build confidence.
"Useful matters more than flashy," said Derek.
"Most engineers don't want another complicated system to learn. They want something clear, quick and reliable that works on the phone already in their pocket."
The centre's calculators have had the widest impact, helping engineers work through calculations in a clear and practical way while relating directly to the jobs they carry out every day. Resources such as the Gas Rate Calculator, IGEM UP/1B Calculator and ACS Knowledge Game have become popular with learners looking to build confidence and reinforce their understanding outside formal training.
Supporting continuous learning
TomKat has also embraced digital platforms to extend learning beyond formal training sessions. Through technical discussions, practical demonstrations and interactive content, learners can continue engaging with engineering topics long after leaving the training room.
By breaking complex subjects into smaller, manageable resources, TomKat encourages engineers to revisit topics as and when they need them, helping reinforce knowledge in real working environments.
Listening to learners
One of the biggest advantages of being an independent training provider is the ability to respond quickly.
Many of TomKat's digital resources have been developed directly from learner feedback and common engineering challenges identified during training. This flexible approach allows the centre to adapt resources as industry standards, technologies and learner expectations evolve, ensuring training remains relevant and practical.
For Derek, one of the strongest measures of success has been seeing engineers recommend the tools to others.
"The main thing that stands out is seeing engineers sharing the tools with each other," he said, "that tells you they're useful."
Looking ahead
TomKat continues to expand its library of engineering tools and learning resources, with its new TomKat Learning Platform set to combine online learning, realistic workplace scenarios and practical trainer support to further enhance the learner experience.
While digital resources will continue to play an important role, Derek believes practical training and experienced instructors will always remain at the heart of high-quality engineering education.
"I think the best training will use technology where it helps but still keep the practical side and the experience of the trainer at the centre of it. That's what we're trying to build at TomKat."
Find out more about TomKat Gas Training, here: www.tom-kat.co.uk
Pictured left to right: Neill Ovenden, Operations Director at LCL Awards, Derek Robins, Director at TomKat Gas Training
Winner of the Innovation Award at LCL Awards - ‘The Awards’ 2026, TomKat Gas Training impressed the judges by rethinking how engineers learn, developing practical digital tools that support learners before, during and after training.
One judge described TomKat as offering “a new way of looking at training,” praising its use of digital tools that engineers can use “on the go” rather than solely in the classroom. They added, “I was impressed by the sheer practicality of these innovations.”
For TomKat’s Director, Derek Robins, the award is recognition of a philosophy that has always guided the training centre.
“We’re only a small, family-run training centre, so to be recognised for something like this is a big thing,” he said.
“We’ve always tried to do more than just get people through an assessment. Passing is obviously important, but we want people to leave understanding what they’re doing and feeling more confident when they go back out to work.”
Learning beyond the classroom
At the core of TomKat’s approach is a simple belief: learning shouldn’t stop when the course ends.
Over the past year, the training centre has developed a growing range of digital resources designed to help engineers continue learning wherever they are. Mobile-friendly engineering calculators, downloadable worksheets, inspection guides, fault-finding activities and bite-sized learning resources provide practical support both during training and out in the field.
Rather than replacing classroom teaching, these tools complement it by making technical information more accessible when it’s needed most.
"People don't stop learning when the course finishes," Derek explained.
"We've always tried to support people before, during and after training, not just while they're sat in the classroom."
Practical tools for real engineers
TomKat's innovation is rooted in solving real-world problems - rather than pursuing technology for technology's sake, the centre has focused on creating resources that simplify technical subjects, reduce learner overwhelm and build confidence.
"Useful matters more than flashy," said Derek.
"Most engineers don't want another complicated system to learn. They want something clear, quick and reliable that works on the phone already in their pocket."
The centre's calculators have had the widest impact, helping engineers work through calculations in a clear and practical way while relating directly to the jobs they carry out every day. Resources such as the Gas Rate Calculator, IGEM UP/1B Calculator and ACS Knowledge Game have become popular with learners looking to build confidence and reinforce their understanding outside formal training.
Supporting continuous learning
TomKat has also embraced digital platforms to extend learning beyond formal training sessions. Through technical discussions, practical demonstrations and interactive content, learners can continue engaging with engineering topics long after leaving the training room.
By breaking complex subjects into smaller, manageable resources, TomKat encourages engineers to revisit topics as and when they need them, helping reinforce knowledge in real working environments.
Listening to learners
One of the biggest advantages of being an independent training provider is the ability to respond quickly.
Many of TomKat's digital resources have been developed directly from learner feedback and common engineering challenges identified during training. This flexible approach allows the centre to adapt resources as industry standards, technologies and learner expectations evolve, ensuring training remains relevant and practical.
For Derek, one of the strongest measures of success has been seeing engineers recommend the tools to others.
"The main thing that stands out is seeing engineers sharing the tools with each other," he said, "that tells you they're useful."
Looking ahead
TomKat continues to expand its library of engineering tools and learning resources, with its new TomKat Learning Platform set to combine online learning, realistic workplace scenarios and practical trainer support to further enhance the learner experience.
While digital resources will continue to play an important role, Derek believes practical training and experienced instructors will always remain at the heart of high-quality engineering education.
"I think the best training will use technology where it helps but still keep the practical side and the experience of the trainer at the centre of it. That's what we're trying to build at TomKat."
Find out more about TomKat Gas Training, here: www.tom-kat.co.uk