Perhaps best known for its Competent Person Schemes, NAPIT also provides training for plumbing and heating professionals. PHPI caught up with Trevor Fradley to find out more about the training on offer to plumbers.
Q. Many installers know NAPIT as a Competent Person Scheme for electricians, but what other trades does the company also work with?
NAPIT is a leading government-approved and United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited membership scheme provider in the building services and fabric sectors. Currently, NAPIT has more than 18,000 registered businesses working in the domestic, commercial, and industrial markets of the UK in the areas of electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, microgeneration, and building fabric.
Q. With the interest in Renewables and particularly Heat Pumps on the rise, what advice would you give to heating professionals thinking about offering this technology to customers?
To master the future of heating technology, we recommend that you enroll in a comprehensive heat pump course where you will learn all about the ins-and-outs of this sustainable energy solution, from its installation to its optimisation.
We recommend that heating professionals considering heat pump technology stay informed about the latest technology, embrace innovation, obtain the appropriate certification and product training, as well as stay abreast of incentives and regulations.
Educating customers about the benefits of efficiency, providing long term energy savings, addressing concerns during the planning stage will enhance the overall experience of designing a cost-effective / environmentally friendly heating system for a greener future. It takes a combination of skills, knowledge, and confidence in your abilities.
The ability to enhance your skills while remaining competitive in the industry is essential to your short and long-term success. With the right qualifications and continuous professional training from NAPIT, you will be able to be the best in your business.
Q. What are the training options for Heat Pumps that are available from NAPIT? Do you offer courses for Design and Installation/Maintenance
NAPIT offers a number of courses for those who would like to learn more about heat pumps. Depending on your specific requirement, we offer courses in air source heat pumps or ground and air source heat pumps combined. In addition to this, we offer the ‘Design Course’, called the Low Temperature Hot Water Systems, as well as training courses in Vented and Unvented Hot Water, heating control wiring, and Water Regulations.
Our tailored, high-quality course empowers heating engineers with the necessary upskilling opportunities in order to become proficient heat pump installers, bridging the gap between sustainable energy solutions and Government training grants, enabling them to become MCS registered with an accreditation service, such as NAPIT.
Q. Are there any pre-requisites for attending the training courses?
Like most renewable technology qualifications you need to hold formal core qualifications and/or have relevant experience.
– N/SVQ level 2/3 in plumbing or equivalent earlier certification that provides evidence of competence; or
– N/SVQ level2/3 in heating and ventilation (Domestic Installation) or equivalent earlier certification that provides evidence of competence; or
– N/SVQ level2/3 in heating and ventilation (industrial and commercial) or equivalent earlier certification that provides evidence of competence; or
– N/SVQ level2/3 in Oil Fired Technical Services or equivalent earlier certification that provides evidence of competence; or
– N/SVQ level2/3 in Gas installation and maintenance or equivalent earlier certification that provides evidence of competence; or
– Heating installers with minimum 3 years of experience installing wet central heating systems, evidence either by Manufacturer courses certification or Gas Safe register, OFTEC, MCS, HETAS
– In addition, if not included in the above certification in relation to:
– WRAS water regulations Water byelaws or equivalent
Q. What qualification or accreditation is gained following the course?
NAPIT currently offers the BPEC qualifications in both Air Source and combined Air and Ground Source Head Pumps
Q. Can a plumber receive training locally, or would they need to travel to NAPIT’s base in Mansfield?
NAPIT Training can improve your skills as a professional installer and train you to industry standards, ensuring that your work meets the necessary regulations and is of the highest quality. NAPIT Training courses are offered at our Training and Assessment Centres across the UK. A plumber can choose one of four NAPIT sites located across the country that is closest to their location.
