“We need to help installers who invest in themselves and the industry.” This was the key take away from Installers First ‘Gas Engineer Training & Skills Assembly’, held on the 7th February.
The industry event offered an opportunity for all those with an interest in the training and skills of Gas Engineers to; review all of the issues and the current activity to address them, and then identify how the industry can work together for the benefit of all.
Laurah Hutchinson-Strain, Head of Media, Installers First said: “We heard from leading industry figures about all of the great work which has been done and continues to be done, in relation to the training and skills of Gas Engineers. I believe that those in attendance will agree that the industry is moving in the right direction, and now, following our event we have a greater understanding of what is being done and how industry can work together on issues such as consumer awareness and supporting those who do want to join the industry, to select the right training.
“Gas engineers have a huge responsibility to ensure that the work they do and the appliances they work on are safe. Installers recognise this and they invest in themselves and subsequently the industry. We need to help those who help themselves by making it harder for the ‘cowboys’ to operate.
“I recall one delegate saying ‘this Industry moves in two circles, those who do a good job and those who don’t want to.
“Making sure that the very first step into the industry – the training of new gas engineers – is fit for purpose is crucial. The Gas Engineer Training & Skills Inquiry, GETSI, aims to abolish short training courses whilst creating a level playing field. To achieve this, installers doing the job, today, must be involved. If you would like to have your say and feed into the inquiry, get in touch with [email protected]!
“There was also discussion around greater government funding for the training of gas engineers as well as a nationally accredited register of training providers. Watch this space for updates on those!”
The event was sponsored by Sentinel Performance Solutions Ltd. Daniel Cheung, Trade Marketing Manager, Sentinel Performance Solutions Ltd said: “Sentinel Performance Solutions Ltd are passionate about promoting best practice heating system maintenance and installation. We want to support the professional accredited heating installer and shine a spotlight on those that look to cut corners.
“The Gas Engineer Training & Skills Assembly supports that aim – a game-changing initiative in the industry.”
Minutes of the event can be found here.
