No need to leave the island

Highlands College in Jersey has launched a net zero training facility, funded by the Jersey government’s Retrain initiative, to provide training and assessment in technologies that will support the Carbon Neutral Roadmap. The facility has been developed in partnership with GTEC to deliver the training required to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Jersey’s transition away from gas and oil. Installers can train on a range of technologies, including air source heat pumps.

Previously, installers had to travel off-island to gain required qualifications, but with this new facility they can now upskill locally. The courses align with the government’s initiative to develop The Contractor Quality Scheme (CQS), a Jerseyspecific quality assurance scheme for those wishing to carry out government-funded work as part of the new low carbon heating incentive.

Griff Thomas, MD of GTEC Training Ltd, says: “We have been delighted to help setup and deliver training in partnership with Highlands College. There are some ambitious targets in Jersey for carbon reduction and this has to be underpinned by ensuring that installers have access to the high quality training that they need, without having to leave the island.”

Combo kit offers more value

A new two-piece combo kit has joined Makita’s extensive range of LXT products. The kit (DLX2460TJ) features a brushless impact driver and brushless combi drill.

Housed in a type 3 Makpac connector case for easy storage and transportation, the kit also includes two 5.0Ah batteries and Fast Charger, which can be used across the LXT range.

The impact driver (DTD153Z) delivers a no-load speed of 3400rpm and provides up to 3600 impacts per minute – making it capable of driving screws up to 125mm into timber without a pilot hole and up to 30% faster than a conventional drill/driver.

The compact brushless combi drill (DHP487Z 18V) has variable speed control to deliver up to 1700rpm, 25,500bpm and 40Nm maximum fastening torque for a wide range of drilling, fastening and hammer drilling applications. Weighing up to 1.7kg, this lightweight combi drill is a versatile power tool that can handle a wide scope of applications. It also has a single sleeve keyless chuck for quick and easy bit changes with 20 torque settings, plus drill mode for added fastening control.

Kevin Brannigan, Makita’s marketing manager, says: “These kits offer significant savings when compared to buying the components individually, making these a much more economical purchase for end users. We have added the kit to our line-up to offer even more choice, with a premium range of power tools that can tackle a wide variety of jobs on site.”

Gadgets & Tools 17

Pocket pen light is there when you need it

New to the Laser Tools range is this neat, multifunction, rechargeable aluminium pen light that combines a 2W COB (chip on board) work lamp together with a 2W LED torch.

The pen light body features a magnetic base and a pocket clip, making it easy to get the light where it’s needed. The LED is a bright 150 lumens while the COB work lamp has two settings: high (170 lumens) or low (80 lumens) — working time 2 to 4 hours, charging time 2.5 to 3 hours. Powered by the built-in 3.7V 750mAh Li-ion battery, the pen light is rechargeable from any convenient USB source.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/423/19

Pipe cutting tool is ideal for frequent use

The Knipex Pipe Cutter for multilayer and pneumatic hoses is designed for a wide range of pipe and hose cutting applications, ranging from Ø 4 to 20 mm. The tool features a universal support for right-angled positioning to ensure accurate and precise cuts every time.

The ergonomically shaped handles are made of glass fibre reinforced plastic, making it easy on the hands even during continuous use. Thanks to the low force required and automatic opening feature, the tool is said to be ideal for any job that requires frequent cutting. The blade is made of high-strength special grade steel, oil-hardened and tempered, for extra durability and longevity.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/323/20