How’s Marie Barrett’s training course going, we hear you ask? Let’s find out…
What’s your typical week looking like at the moment?
There are no typical weeks as our work is quite varied. The only thing that is the same is that I am at Sterling Training Assessment Centre every Friday. We could be doing anything from installing a new central heating system and boiler one week, to carrying out boiler services or Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) the next.
We attend training days quite regularly to keep up our CPD. Recently, I attended the Ideal training course in Reading and the Vaillant one in Cambridge. This month I will be attending the Alpha training course in Norwich.
Since we last spoke, is there anything new that you’ve learnt that’s been particularly surprising or challenging?
Since last month we have studied water heaters and cookers on the course. On site I have learnt the difference between a one pipe and two pipe system, and I also learnt how to chase out a wall to bury pipes – a nice dusty job!
Also, on site I have been learning how to use a multimeter to investigate electrical faults and I realised that one fault can lead to another fault!
All the criteria we have gone through so far on the course are being revisited and we are taking our VOT (Verification of Training) tests every week, which are difficult but we are passing!
What’s the newest technology that you think is becoming increasingly popular amongst customers?
We have noticed an increased demand from customers to install smart controls, such as V Smart, Nest, Tado and Netatmo, which can all be operated via a smart device.
What are your thoughts on the social media community in the industry?
Twitter is an excellent social media platform for the industry. As a woman coming into a male dominated trade, I have only ever received positive attitudes and encouragement. My followers are growing daily and if I need help there is always good advice to be gained. Gas App is a good tool for referencing also. Social media has definitely helped me improve my confidence!
