HETAS is urging installers to book onto one of its training courses to learn something new in 2017 or just to refresh and brush up on knowledge and skills that haven’t been used for a while.

Following feedback from various industry events in 2016, HETAS has developed a bespoke ‘Changeover’ course to help gas engineers meet the increasing demand for wood burning, Biomass and solid fuel appliances from consumers. The course builds on the existing skillset of gas engineers and identifies the areas of installation practice already demonstrable under a Gas Engineer’s Competence.

The three-day course will cover practical considerations for chimney and flue provision, ventilation, distances to combustible materials, the characteristics of fuels and regulatory requirements. The Changeover course bridges the skills gap in relation to biomass and solid fuel appliance installations and is now available throughout HETAS training centres across UK and Ireland.

Solid fuel appliances are well known for their high quality, robust construction and durability. However like any product in continuous use they do require attention by the user and routine servicing by an engineer. HETAS recommends that appliances are serviced at least once a year or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

In support of the requirements, HETAS has launched a Service & Maintenance course designed to ensure engineers are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to undertake such work. The two-day practical course is ideal for businesses that don’t wish to undertake installation work such as professional chimney sweeps, maintenance operatives and local authorities with housing stock using solid fuel as a primary heat source.

HETAS has been working in collaboration with the three HETAS recognised Chimney Sweep Associations to further develop this course which is now available throughout HETAS training centres across UK and Ireland.

More consumers are becoming aware of the benefits of using quality wood fuel in their stoves, which has led to a rise in popularity of the HETAS’ H008 Pellet Stove Installation Course.

The one day practical course covers the differences between appliances, chimney requirements, service and maintenance. Installers must have already completed the H003 Dry Installer Competency course before signing up for H008.

The H008 course gives installers all they need to know about HETAS’ partner, Woodsure, the UK’s only quality wood fuel assurance scheme.

Helping HETAS approved retailers educate consumers about the benefits of using approved appliances, fuels and services, the Approved Retailer course ensures that showrooms will have at least one HETAS trained member of staff on duty at all times. 

This interactive one-day session involves group exercises and gives learners a detailed understanding of solid fuel types and appliances in terms of the factors affecting selection, maintenance, carbon monoxide as well as the legislation that applies to dwellings.

Once registered, retailers will be able to use HETAS’ logo and marketing collateral that instils consumer confidence as well as access the HETAS guide to products, the technical helpline and HETAS online shop which offers a range of products and workwear.

Installers can also now sit their HETAS refresher assessment up to six months ahead of the due date. Rather than wait for previous qualifications to expire, HETAS registrants are being encouraged to sit the courses in advance, giving installers every opportunity to train on dates that are convenient to them and ensuring they are covered by the CPS all year round. Under HETAS’ scheme, installers will not lose any time from their five-year extension.

HETAS requires all registered installers to have a refresher training session every five years to ensure that they are abreast of the latest regulations and practices so that they can in turn maintain high standards of service for their customers.

Other HETAS courses include: 

•           H001 - Introduction to solid fuel 

•           H002 - Solid fuel regulations and standards

•           H003 - Dry appliance installer

•           H004 - Wet appliance installer

•           H005DE - Biomass appliance installer

•           H006 - System chimney

For more information visit www.hetas.co.uk