PLEA transitioning to enhanced Safety Essentials Programme effective July 1st, 2025
Dear Member/Contractors/Associate:
The Energy Chamber is excited to announce the upcoming transition from the PLEA Assessment Programme to the enhanced Safety Essentials Programme, effective July 1st, 2025. This transition is fully endorsed by the PLEA companies. After an in-depth review of both syllabuses, PLEA agreed that this shift would provide a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience for all participants and improved safety awareness.
The Safety Essentials Programme offers a significant upgrade, combining both training and assessment, ensuring participants acquire the essential knowledge needed for safety. It covers 33 HSE areas—a substantial increase from the 19 covered in PLEA—and delivers content that promotes better retention and engagement. Safety Essentials has recently been adopted as the standard industrial safety awareness programme in Houston and in other major industrial centres in the United States.
As a computer-based training programme, it can be completed conveniently online with remote proctoring ensuring the integrity of the training process or in-person at the Energy Chamber's Learning Centre.
For those who have completed the PLEA programme before the transition, please note that your certification will remain valid until its expiration date. After that date, individuals will need to transition to the Safety Essentials Programme to maintain certification. The Safety Essentials Programme will be valid for two years. The new Safety Essentials Programme will cost $385. plus VAT, which is more cost-effective compared to the previous total average cost of $525. for the PLEA programme (average of $325 for training & $200 for exam fees).
In addition to the core benefits, the Safety Essentials Programme offers flexibility and customization, allowing for training tailored to industry-specific needs. The computer-based format enables completion of the course in just 3 hours, significantly reducing the time compared to the 11-hour classroom training in the previous PLEA programme.
Should you have any questions or require further details, feel free to reach out to natasha@energy.tt
Thanks and regards,
The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Transition from PLEA 10 to Safety Essentials Programme
Can participants bypass the training and just do the exam?
No. The Safety Essentials Programme combines both training and assessment into one integrated session.
How long does the training take?
On average, the full session takes approximately 3 hours. However, because it is self-paced, some participants may take a bit longer or finish sooner.
What has been the average time to complete the training so far?
Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.
What is the validity period of the Safety Essentials card?
The card is valid for two (2) years from the date of successful completion.
How will the training be administered?
- In-person training will take place at the Energy Chamber’s Learning Centre.
- Online training will be delivered via the LINK platform with remote proctoring to ensure training integrity.
I already have a valid PLEA 10 card. Do I need to switch now?
No. If your PLEA 10 card is still valid, you may continue to use it until its expiration date. You will only need to complete the Safety Essentials Programme once your current PLEA card expires.
Can someone complete both the PLEA 10 and Safety Essentials Programmes?
Yes, but it is not required. If a participant already holds a valid PLEA 10 card, they do not need to complete Safety Essentials until their PLEA 10 card expires. However, if someone chooses to complete Safety Essentials earlier, that certification will then become their valid safety credential moving forward.
How much does the Safety Essentials Programme cost?
- TT$385 + VAT for in-person training at the Learning Centre.
- TT$500 + VAT for online training via LINK with remote proctoring.
Will both PLEA 10 and Safety Essentials cards be accepted during the transition?
Yes. There is a dual acceptance period from 01st July 2025 to 30th June 2027. During this time, both cards will be valid for site entry at PLEA Member Company locations.
After 30th June 2027, will the PLEA 10 card still be accepted?
No. After this date, only Safety Essentials cards will be recognised for site access.
Will physical cards still be issued for in-person training?
Yes. Participants completing training in person will receive a physical card. Online participants will receive a digital badge via the LINK platform.
How will I know when to book the Safety Essentials Programme?
Once your current PLEA 10 card is nearing expiration, you can begin booking through the LINK platform, which will be launched shortly. Updates will also be shared via our official Facebook and LinkedIn pages.