ourselves on the high standards we set.

“Our courses are led by six of the best trainers in the industry who all have extensive hands-on experience working on the tools. We’ve designed our training to be practical-led, using a mix of live demonstrations and mobile rigs we’ve set up, so participants get to see the real life application of the skills they’re learning in the academic side of the programme.

“We’re often asked about the length of the three-day course but it’s important to stress there are pre-requisites before

Wise move to brush up on smart controls

Mobile rigs help Gastec with the hands-on aspect of training you can enrol so it’s not a cold start. For some participants, it’s a refresher as they typically return every five years as there’s always new developments in the technology. We were also classed as an ‘essential’ business during the pandemic, which means we’ve invested heavily in ensuring we have a safe environment for installers.”

Philip goes on: “There’s no ‘typical’ participant as we get a mix of small family businesses and sole traders. Demand remains high with a steady flow of around 100 installers through our door a month but I think there’s scope for more technicians to get involved.

“We recognise it takes time away from the day job and it’s a financial commitment, but with the current discounts for our OFTEC courses through BEIS funding, it’s a great time to invest in your skills and put yourself in prime position for the changes coming down the track,” Philip concludes.

Upon completion, participants can apply for MCS certification to install heat pumps through government schemes such as the Home Upgrade Grant or Boiler Upgrade Scheme. They will also be able to self-certify their installations as compliant with Building Regulations. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/623/42

A series of videos cover a wide range of topics, from product basics, correct installation and commissioning, all the way to customer care and common troubleshooting scenarios. The Wiser course requires users to pass short multiple-choice tests, which awards installers their Wiser Approved status and certificate on completion.

The benefits of becoming a Wiser Approved Installer include a listing on the Wiser consumer website, helping to generate new sales leads from homeowners in their area, a free 5-year warranty on registered Wiser kits, which also count towards Wiser Rewards, VIP technical support, and pricing perks in the priority shop.

Other modules also available on 9° Know How, for installers to expand their knowledge and complement their Wiser Approved Installer status are on Drayton’s TRV range, including the new auto-balancing TRV, and the new Digistat heating control, with the addition of an all-new module on Motorised Valves.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/623/43

Electric specialist shares the net zero knowledge

Leicester-based Fischer Future Heat has announced a new series of free training courses giving installers and heating businesses the opportunity to boost their net zero ambitions.

The electric heating specialist is providing a hands-on classroom-based training approach to allow companies to upskill their trade force to renewable technologies whilst future-proofing their businesses with essential knowledge of air source heat pumps, electric boilers, electric water heaters and Fischer’s HeatCore radiators.

Installers can learn all about the Fischer range of products with the added option of buying direct from the manufacturer. Fischer is also offering regular contractor opportunities for installers who successfully complete the course.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/623/44

Business Edge Ltd offers a range of courses for heat pump installers, including the following: Category 1 F Gas course (3 or 5 day), Low temperature heating and hot water systems in dwelling, and Safe handling of flammable refrigerants.

For those not familiar with low grade heat systems and correct sizing of heat pump systems, the low temperature course is strongly advised as it will help prevent problems with system selection.

The most popular variant of the F-gas is the five-day course. This consists of full pre-assessment training on all practical activities, including the following:

• Pipework preparation/selection and jointing

• Pressure strength/tightness testing

• Evacuation and dehydration of systems

• Charging of systems with the correct amount of refrigerant

• Commissioning of systems

• Leak testing of systems

• Recovery of refrigerant

Each candidate is given their own training rig to enable all attendees to complete each practical element enough times, so they are comfortable with the procedure and are fully prepared for the assessment.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/623/45