Training
Trussed Rafter Design Training - all at your fingertips
Working closely with Napier University, the Trussed Rafter Association can now offer a brand new on-line training facility to the industry. The training course covers a basic introduction to trussed rafter design, ranging from fundamental vocabulary through to the knowledge and skills required. And it’s all available at the click of your mouse! With on-line learning, you decide when you want to study. Whether it is three o’clock in the morning or Saturday afternoon. You can go on-line and access the materials whenever you want. You can learn at your own pace and the material is there for you to revisit time and time again. And as you progress through your course, all learning materials from previous sections are still accessible.
Key questions about the new facility are answered overleaf and if you want to get a flavour of the course content click here.
Introduction to Trussed Rafter design - your questions answered.
Who is course aimed at?
Those who are currently employed as trussed rafter designers, those who are training to be trussed rafter designers or anyone who has an interest in trussed rafters.
What does the course cover?
The course will introduce learners to the following 8 subject areas:
- Industry Terminology
- Roof and Truss Shapes
- Reading Drawings
- Trusses as a Structural Form
- Basic Structural Mechanics
- Basic Structural Analysis
- An Introduction to Engineering Design
- Creation of Roofscapes
The content of each new section is released after successful completion of a short test at the end of the previous section. The number of attempts is unlimited and a passing grade of 70% is required.
Does the course aim at a particular educational level?
Yes. The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 8. This is similar to a post A Level/ HNC level.
How many learning hours will be involved and over what timescale?
The course is around 40 hours and should be completed within 6 months of you starting the course on-line.
Are there any pre-requisites that are needed for the course?
None, other than access to a computer and the Internet. Computer specifications are detailed opposite.
Are any other materials required?
None - everything is included in the on-line course. However, it would be an advantage to also have access to relevant design standards and truss design software.Is there any support available through the course?
The course is intended to be a 'stand alone' on-line course. However, an in-company mentor with experience in trussed rafter design or timber engineering is also recommended.
Does the course involve any tests?
There is a short test at the end of each section. Also there is an on-line examination of 30 questions to achieve a grade certificate.
What qualification does the course deliver?
A TRA/Napier grade certificate will be issued based on the final on-line exam. There will be 4 credits given for course completion under the Credit Rating scheme of SCQA and Napier University.
Is there an access capability for disabled learners?
Generally yes there is. However, due to the subject matter, not all the material is suitable for screen readers.
How is the course accessed?
This on-line course is delivered using Napier University’s Virtual Learning Environment WebCT Vista 4.0. Access to the course is through a user ID and password, which you will receive once you have purchased the course.
What computer specifications are required?
The minimum computer system requirements you will require to access the course are as follows:PC
Windows 98 or higher. NT 4.0, or any Linux 2 100 MHz or higher processor.
Minimum of 32 MB of RAM.
6 MB free space on the hard drive.
A modem (56K or better) or network card and a connection to the internet, sound card and speakers or headphones.
Apple MacIntosh
Operating systems 9.x or higher, OS X v.10.1.x and v.10.2.x, or any Linux 2. In 9.x you should allocate at least 24 MB of your computer's memory to your browser. In OS X this is taken care of automatically.
Power PC (preferably a G3 or G4).
Minimum of 32 MB of RAM.
Please run WebCT Tune Up to check if your browser is suitable for on-line learning with WebCT - visit www.webct.com/tuneup
The system can also check your browser settings. You may have to install additional software or alter settings in your browser - Java, Cookies, Pop-up windows etc.
How do I get started?
If you would like to sign up for this on-line course, please contact us, either from this web site or Tel or Fax: 01246 230036
We can then confirm the costs involved and allocate your user ID and password.
