Views from the training team
With the end of 2021 fast approaching we caught up with the HETAS training team to discuss how HETAS training centres have supported our industry throughout a very challenging year and what to expect for 2022.
It’s been an exciting year of challenges and development as we see the industry go from strength to strength. The challenges presented by the pandemic and the demand for training have been met by our training centres who were very quick to adopt strict Covid measures which remain in place to ensure the wellbeing of all visitors. Educating the industry throughout the year via HETAS accredited training centres through industry leading, mapped training courses, regular technical updates and quarterly Bulletins has been key in ensuring all HETAS registrants are refreshed and remain informed.
I’ve been fortunate to attend a good number of training courses this year and it’s been useful to speak to many of you at courses to understand the challenges you face daily. Our training is continually evolving and through enforced changes with Covid restrictions we now have an online platform that can support person to person training at our training centres. Different people learn in different ways and I’m keen to ensure our training has the right mix of approaches. This learning is further supported by the technical team here at HETAS, a dedicated team of three on the helpline supported by the extended technical team. Our regular Technical Bulletins build on insights from both training and technical enquiries.
Some key areas below that we’ve now enhanced our learning offering:
The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 which came into force in May 2021, bringing into Regulation; ‘Ready to Burn’ and its logo as a way of recognising which fuels are suitable for future use, both for wood and solid mineral fuels.https://www.hetas.co.uk/the-air-quality-domestic-solid-fuels-standards-england-regulations-2020/
Ecodesign; to be implemented from 1st January 2022, any newly manufactured roomheater stoves under 50kW placed on the market will be required to meet the minimum seasonal efficiency and maximum permitted emission limits stipulated within Ecodesign. https://www.hetas.co.uk/ecodesign-2022/
The Environment Act 2021 – will clean up the country’s air, restore natural habitats, increase biodiversity, reduce waste and make better use of our resources https://www.hetas.co.uk/introducing-the-environment-act-2021/
HETAS Approved Biomass Maintenance Scheme HABMS; The government intends to introduce a requirement for the owners of biomass boilers in receipt of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), to carry out annual preventative maintenance checks and following the publication of the new MCS Biomass Maintenance Standard (MCS 040), HETAS has launched it’s registration scheme for competent servicing businesses. https://www.hetas.co.uk/trade/scheme/biomass-maintenance-scheme/
HETAS training centres are comprehensively equipped to meet increased demand for Biomass training on Installation, Servicing and Maintenance.
2022 looks very promising, HETAS is experiencing significant interest from consumers seeking advice from HETAS approved Installers, Service Engineers and Sweeps, in recognition of their skills and professionalism. Ensure you stay abreast of the changes and innovation, enhancing your Continual Professional Development (CPD). Visit the HETAS Technical Hub.
For more information on HETAS Training and our network of HETAS Approved Training Centres please visit https://www.hetas.co.uk/trade/training-courses/.
I hope to catch up with many of you next year, at training courses and at several events we’ve signed up to in 2022.
Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!
