WJA Surface Preparation – Practical Module
The WJA Surface Preparation module is a practical training course designed for operatives using high-pressure water jetting equipment to remove coatings, rust, and debris from surfaces such as metal and concrete. It’s the go-to course for those involved in industrial cleaning, marine maintenance, and coatings removal.
Accredited by the Water Jetting Association (WJA) and City & Guilds, this module helps jetting professionals develop essential safety knowledge and hands-on competence. It’s delivered by experienced WJA-approved coaches and combines theory with practical assessment — so you leave with real skills, not just a certificate.
Note: Delegates must have completed the WJA Safety Awareness course within the last three years to attend this module.
Who Should Attend?
This WJA Surface Preparation Module is suitable for:
- Operatives carrying out surface prep with high-pressure jetting
- Site managers or supervisors overseeing industrial cleaning tasks
- Coatings specialists working in marine, construction, or plant maintenance
- Health and Safety officers
- Permit issuers and system designers
What You’ll Learn | WJA Surface Preparation Module
The WJA Surface Preparation training module gives delegates the skills to prepare surfaces safely and effectively using pressurised water. The training covers:
- Applications and surfaces suitable for jetting (metal, concrete, etc.)
- Safe equipment operation and pre-use checks
- Nozzle types and safe selection
- Hose management, reaction force, and pressure control
- Use of appropriate PPE / RPE
- Understanding jetting-specific injuries and incident prevention
- WJA Code of Practice and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Differences between grit blasting and water jetting
- Practical team working and task planning
- Leaving a worksite clean, safe, and compliant
The module ends with a practical assessment focused on surface preparation techniques.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the session, candidates will:
- Identify hazards related to surface prep with water jetting systems
- Carry out equipment inspections and identify defects
- Apply correct PPE, pressure management, and safety protocols
- Work effectively as part of a water jetting team
- Understand how to respond to water jetting injuries
- Know how to apply the WJA Code of Practice to day-to-day tasks
- Be able to prepare surfaces using safe, repeatable techniques
Successful candidates will also gain access to the digital WJA Code of Practice via the WJA app.
Course Format
During our course we:
- Facilitated group discussions, encouraging delegates to share experiences
- Hold interactive Q&A sessions designed to reinforce understanding
- Use incident reviews and analysis of real-life examples
- Encourage knowledge-sharing within the training group
- Complete step-by-step demonstrations of techniques and equipment
- Practical assessment requiring a 75% pass mark
- Delegates will receive feedback from their trainer
Successful candidates will also gain access to the digital WJA Code of Practice via the WJA app.
Course Details
Duration: 1 Day
Location: Flowplant Salisbury, Rotherham, or at your site
Assessment: Theory and practical exam (CLiKAPAD or paper)
Accreditation: City & Guilds and WJA Approved
Certification Validity: 3 Years
Minimum Age: 18 (or 16–17 if on a structured training programme)
Pre-requisite: WJA Safety Awareness certification
What to Expect on the Day
From the first cup of tea to the final assessment, we aim to deliver high-quality, friendly, and practical training:
- Arrive from 08:15 for tea, coffee, and biscuits before the course starts at 08:30
- Meet your WJA coach and take part in open introductions
- Breaks mid-morning and mid-afternoon
- Lunch is provided at Flowplant locations — just let us know any dietary needs
- Course typically ends between 15:30 and 17:00
