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Training & Accreditation Key Issues Steve Rhodes Nu-Heat Training Centre Manager
The Need for Training • To ensure high standards are maintained • To build confidence in the products
• To ensure installers can explain the benefits to their customers and act as ambassadors • To make products easily accessible to consumers
• To give consumers access to incentive grants • To ensure consumers gain maximum energy efficiency from products fitted
The Need for Training
• To protect the industry from bad publicity
• To maximise sector growth • To meet the UK‟s carbon reduction targets
Pitfalls of Installation Without Training • The technologies fail to deliver the expected efficiencies • The consumer is dissatisfied with both installer and product • Efficiency claims made by manufacturers are called into question • Confidence in the products is undermined at a crucial time • Sales suffer
Pitfalls of Installation Without Training
• The UK fails to meet its carbon reduction targets • Global warming accelerates
Notification of Works • All installations of heating systems are „notifiable works‟ under the current Building Regulations • Failure to notify can lead to a fine of up to £5000 • Not all Building Control Officers have had the training required to know whether renewable technologies have been installed correctly • Installers registered with a relevant Competent Person Scheme are qualified to carry out specific types of work in accordance with Building Regulations
Competent Persons Scheme
• Competent Persons Schemes are run by: APHC, BESCA, Gas-Safe, NAPIT, NICEIC and others
Competent Persons Scheme • Installers registered on a Competent Persons Scheme can notify relevant works to building Control online or by post • Saves time and money for the installer • The alternative is to submit a building notice or full plans application and pay a fee to Building Control to come and inspect the works • A typical inspection charge for Building Control is typically around £500 for a single dwelling • Self-notification costs approx. £1.50 per item
Competent Persons Scheme • Competent Person status requires that: - The installer has industry-accredited qualifications in the relevant technologies - A site assessment is carried out - All relevant regulations, standards and directives are adhered to - Insurance backed warranties and a robust complaints procedure is in place in the unlikely event work is found to be non-compliant
Competent Persons Scheme • The installer notifies the Local Authority and issues a certificate on completion that acts as proof of compliance for a HIP • Commercial developments are not covered by the Competent Persons Scheme and will probably require a Building Regulations application to be submitted
Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) • To gain an installation grant for qualifying renewable technologies both product and installer must be listed on the BRE Green Book website
Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) • Installers must be part of a Competent Persons Scheme and have also passed or proved the following: - Multiple unit site assessments - Quality procedures are followed - Evidence is required of insurance, warranty, qualifications and relevant experience • When the above is satisfied the installer can apply for an MCS registration number or become registered under an „umbrella scheme‟ run by a company such as Nu-Heat
Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) • The installer‟s/umbrella scheme‟s MCS number can be used by customers on grant application forms There is currently a huge gap in the skills market for MCS approve installers. For example: • Currently there are only 128 MCS approved installation companies for heat pumps in the UK • Of these just 14 companies are actually based in the South West
Funding for Training Candidates • In the South West, help towards the cost of training in renewables installation is available through RE4D • Many training centres, including Nu-Heat‟s, offer substantial discounts for group bookings and packages of more than one course
Candidates’ response to training • Case studies: Francis Delaney, EcoHeat Solutions “Gaining approved status through Nu-Heat and NICEIC has allowed me to apply the same professionalism to renewables as to all other heating installations. I am already CORGI (now Gas Safe) qualified, so becoming an approved renewables installer has allowed me to exploit a wider range of business opportunities. As a direct result of the training, I have had to employ two business partners, and have renamed the business to reflect the new direction we are taking. Training has given my company and, more importantly, prospective customers the confidence to invest in new technology because we can talk about it confidently, communicate its benefits and can recommend the most appropriate technology to meet their requirements.”
Candidates’ response to training • Case studies: Francis Delaney, EcoHeat Solutions “Having the relevant logos on our vans means we are actually stopped for advice about fitting heat pumps. I think consumers are a lot more savvy these days and being approved renewable installers definitely gives us credibility as well as a marketing opportunity. I would definitely recommend the training, as the more qualified renewables installers out there, the better for the industry as a whole.”
Looking Forward In order for any training scheme to provide value for money to the public, suppliers and installers it is important that: • The public is aware of the value of using an accredited installer (as with the old Corgi register) • The same awareness is there for „Competent Persons Schemes‟ • The number of schemes is limited to avoid confusion • The standards within relevant schemes are maintained • Cost cutting from competing training providers does not mean content is also cut to maintain the profitability of courses
Looking Forward This requires that: • Government bodies promote both MCS and Competent Persons Schemes at national level • There should be separate promotional campaigns to consumers and installers clearly pointing out the benefits • Government should insist that standards are maintained • Ways of reducing barriers to consumers wishing to apply for installation grants are encouraged – such as the Nu-Heat MCS Umbrella Scheme
Thank you for your interest Steve Rhodes Training Centre Manager
The Need for Training • To ensure high standards are maintained • To build confidence in the products
• To ensure installers can explain the benefits to their customers and act as ambassadors • To make products easily accessible to consumers
• To give consumers access to incentive grants • To ensure consumers gain maximum energy efficiency from products fitted
The Need for Training
• To protect the industry from bad publicity
• To maximise sector growth • To meet the UK‟s carbon reduction targets
Pitfalls of Installation Without Training • The technologies fail to deliver the expected efficiencies • The consumer is dissatisfied with both installer and product • Efficiency claims made by manufacturers are called into question • Confidence in the products is undermined at a crucial time • Sales suffer
Pitfalls of Installation Without Training
• The UK fails to meet its carbon reduction targets • Global warming accelerates
Notification of Works • All installations of heating systems are „notifiable works‟ under the current Building Regulations • Failure to notify can lead to a fine of up to £5000 • Not all Building Control Officers have had the training required to know whether renewable technologies have been installed correctly • Installers registered with a relevant Competent Person Scheme are qualified to carry out specific types of work in accordance with Building Regulations
Competent Persons Scheme
• Competent Persons Schemes are run by: APHC, BESCA, Gas-Safe, NAPIT, NICEIC and others
Competent Persons Scheme • Installers registered on a Competent Persons Scheme can notify relevant works to building Control online or by post • Saves time and money for the installer • The alternative is to submit a building notice or full plans application and pay a fee to Building Control to come and inspect the works • A typical inspection charge for Building Control is typically around £500 for a single dwelling • Self-notification costs approx. £1.50 per item
Competent Persons Scheme • Competent Person status requires that: - The installer has industry-accredited qualifications in the relevant technologies - A site assessment is carried out - All relevant regulations, standards and directives are adhered to - Insurance backed warranties and a robust complaints procedure is in place in the unlikely event work is found to be non-compliant
Competent Persons Scheme • The installer notifies the Local Authority and issues a certificate on completion that acts as proof of compliance for a HIP • Commercial developments are not covered by the Competent Persons Scheme and will probably require a Building Regulations application to be submitted
Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) • To gain an installation grant for qualifying renewable technologies both product and installer must be listed on the BRE Green Book website
Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) • Installers must be part of a Competent Persons Scheme and have also passed or proved the following: - Multiple unit site assessments - Quality procedures are followed - Evidence is required of insurance, warranty, qualifications and relevant experience • When the above is satisfied the installer can apply for an MCS registration number or become registered under an „umbrella scheme‟ run by a company such as Nu-Heat
Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) • The installer‟s/umbrella scheme‟s MCS number can be used by customers on grant application forms There is currently a huge gap in the skills market for MCS approve installers. For example: • Currently there are only 128 MCS approved installation companies for heat pumps in the UK • Of these just 14 companies are actually based in the South West
Funding for Training Candidates • In the South West, help towards the cost of training in renewables installation is available through RE4D • Many training centres, including Nu-Heat‟s, offer substantial discounts for group bookings and packages of more than one course
Candidates’ response to training • Case studies: Francis Delaney, EcoHeat Solutions “Gaining approved status through Nu-Heat and NICEIC has allowed me to apply the same professionalism to renewables as to all other heating installations. I am already CORGI (now Gas Safe) qualified, so becoming an approved renewables installer has allowed me to exploit a wider range of business opportunities. As a direct result of the training, I have had to employ two business partners, and have renamed the business to reflect the new direction we are taking. Training has given my company and, more importantly, prospective customers the confidence to invest in new technology because we can talk about it confidently, communicate its benefits and can recommend the most appropriate technology to meet their requirements.”
Candidates’ response to training • Case studies: Francis Delaney, EcoHeat Solutions “Having the relevant logos on our vans means we are actually stopped for advice about fitting heat pumps. I think consumers are a lot more savvy these days and being approved renewable installers definitely gives us credibility as well as a marketing opportunity. I would definitely recommend the training, as the more qualified renewables installers out there, the better for the industry as a whole.”
Looking Forward In order for any training scheme to provide value for money to the public, suppliers and installers it is important that: • The public is aware of the value of using an accredited installer (as with the old Corgi register) • The same awareness is there for „Competent Persons Schemes‟ • The number of schemes is limited to avoid confusion • The standards within relevant schemes are maintained • Cost cutting from competing training providers does not mean content is also cut to maintain the profitability of courses
Looking Forward This requires that: • Government bodies promote both MCS and Competent Persons Schemes at national level • There should be separate promotional campaigns to consumers and installers clearly pointing out the benefits • Government should insist that standards are maintained • Ways of reducing barriers to consumers wishing to apply for installation grants are encouraged – such as the Nu-Heat MCS Umbrella Scheme
Thank you for your interest Steve Rhodes Training Centre Manager
