You might be a whizz at rewiring but if your electrician courses didn’t teach you to handle your finances correctly, you now have less than a week to sign up to repay any undisclosed tax to HM Revenue and Customs if you want to avoid huge fines and even criminal charges in the worst cases.

This window of opportunity was created after the government decided to get tough on tax. With high levels of tax evasion (intentional or accidental) present in industries where self-employment is common, HMRC decided to look into professions like plumbing and electrical work. They have given electricians a time frame in which to register to pay any undisclosed tax to encourage responsibility before taking tough action on tax evaders.

By Tuesday 15th May, any electricians who discover that they have not paid the full amount of tax will be required to have registered to pay back any unpaid amounts. If they submit their unpaid taxes by this time, they will receive radically reduced penalties of just 10-20%. If, however, they fail to register any unpaid tax, they will face up to 100% of penalties and could even be confronted by criminal charges in extreme cases.

Once owed tax has been registered, the electrician in question will have until 14th August 2012 to repay the full amount and any reduced penalties incurred. The overall scheme is being called the Electricians’ Tax Safe Plan, and is a vital lifeline for those with outstanding tax accrued either accidentally or intentionally.

Outside of the Electricians’ Tax Safe Plan, HMRC have developed tools to help them track down tax dodgers. Using trade directories, trade suppliers, professional electrical safety certificates and tax records, the HMRC have the resources to track down those who have failed to pay the correct tax. All the more reason to get your house in order before the ‘tax amnesty’ elapses.

Good electrician courses are designed to equip future sparks for work in the real world, and organising finances properly is a key part of life as a successful, thriving electrician.  If you’d like to learn more about electrician courses that will help you develop your real life skills, Access can help. With dozens of flexible, City & Guilds accredited electrician courses available, Access can set you on the right track to a bright electrical future. Call our friendly team today on 0800 345 7492 today.

You’ve completed all the required plumbing courses, you’ve gathered years of great experience, you’ve established yourself as a true professional and identified your client base – at last you’re ready to start your plumbing business. But what do you call it?

Of course you could go down the simple route. Your name with the word “plumbing” after it is a tried and tested solution, but it doesn’t really stand out, does it? A.B. Plumbing, Dave Pryor Plumbing, B & R Plumbers – not very inspiring and hardly likely to keep your business in the minds of past and future customers…

So how do you come up with a great name for your plumbing business which helps you stand out but also makes sure your customers take you seriously?

It can be extremely tempting to go down the plumbing pun route, but this could throw a spanner in the works and suggest to customers that they will be throwing money down the drain on a plumber who isn’t going to have an altogether professional approach to their plumbing problem. Yet a pun or joke can make your business both memorable and friendly, so if you can come up with a good one it might be worth a shot! Be careful though, many plumbing puns have been done (and done badly) before…

•    Round the Bend Plumbing
•    Plumb Role Plumbing
•    Plumbing the Depths
•    Royal Flush Plumbing   
•    Straight Flush Plumbing
•    Go with the Flow Plumbing
•    Pipe Dream Plumbing
•    Flushed with Success Plumbing

Yes, we know, they’re terrible. The problem with a ‘punny’ plumbing name is that it has to be genuinely funny for it to work and very few of them actually are…

When it comes to setting up after your plumbing courses, you can judge your trade name ideas for your plumbing business by asking yourself a few questions:

1.    Does it accurately convey what you do?
2.    Does it portray your business in a positive light?
3.    Does it help you stand out from the crowd?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, it might be time to return to the drawing board…

If you’re yet to embark on your plumbing path, the first step is to get some great plumbing courses under your belt. Access offer flexible, future-oriented plumbing courses which will thoroughly equip you for your future career, wherever you are in the UK and however you want to learn. For more information about Access’s plumbing courses call their team today on 0800 345 7492.

Fresh research in the Builders and Plumbers’ Merchants’ Market report shows that it is still a great time to begin plumbing training. Many candidates may have been nervous about entering a career and starting plumbing training during a time of economic turbulence, yet these new facts and figures show that, despite a downturn when the recession bit, the plumbing industry is still flourishing. In fact in 2010 the market recovered and this recovery has held firm throughout 2011.

The report also highlighted many things which prospective plumbing training candidates should know about before entering their trade. More so than ever before, the plumbing industry is directly influenced by how well the UK building and construction sectors perform. When times are hard for those involved in new-build, maintenance, improvement and repair projects, plumbers are likely to suffer too.

It appears that the old beliefs about plumbing still hold true, even when times are hard. If you have a good trade under your belt, you could well find that you are in demand even when money is tight across the country. If you are considering enrolling on a plumbing training course, it looks like this really in a trade for life.

To learn more about the plumbing industry, or to enrol on a high-quality City & Guilds acreddited plumbing training course, get in touch with Access today. Their experts understand the industry inside out and offer courses designed to equip budding plumbers with the skills they need to work in the trades in the 21st century. Access plumbing training courses are both flexible and highly regarded, to find out more browse the rest of the website or contact their team today on 0800 345 7492.

Training to be a plumber is no walk in the park, no matter what the economic climate is up to. However, in recent years, training to be a plumber has become even harder thanks to the lack of apprenticeships and work placements around. There are a number of reasons why these opportunities are so thin on the ground and sadly money is at the heart of all of them.

Many plumbers just do not have the money to take on an apprentice as the majority are currently self-employed and facing a somewhat uncertain future in terms of workload. Even though many county councils offer generous grants to help plumbers pay for apprentices, many experienced plumbers simply do not have the time and energy to help youngsters who are training to be a plumber. On top of all this there is the worry that younger blood in the plumbing industry will force out the more experienced members of the profession, leading to even fewer available jobs.

This is all very problematic. An apprenticeship and on the job learning are significant parts of training to be a plumber and, without this kind of experience, many students will be unable to qualify. This is one reason that Grimsby’s young William Bradley has taken matters into his own hands…

Rather than make endless, disappointing phone calls, 15 year old William has taken the initiative. After creating a special board reading:

‘PLUMBING & HEATING
APPRENTICESHIP
WANTED
I’M READY TO GO’

he has taken a prime position outside his local Plumbing Trade Supplies centre and is handing out his card to sympathetic passers-by. He has been met by support and many people have been impressed by his pro-active approach to getting into training to be a plumber. According to one local: “I was a plumber for 18 years and I can say that it is a hard trade to break into.”

Here at Access we wish William all the best. As a top training provider we know how difficult training to be a plumber can be – especially when apprenticeship opportunities are thin on the ground. If you are looking into training to be a plumber and finding it difficult to get an apprenticeship, speak to our knowledgeable team here at Access Training. A number of our courses allow you to bypass  the apprenticeship requirement and take this stress out of training to be a plumber. For more information call today on 0800 345 7492.

Renewable energy is proving to be a great direction for many of our graduates here at Access Training. Whether you have completed electrician courses or plumbing courses, your skills are needed in the renewable energy sector, where going Green is now big business. With great government schemes in place and renewable energy targets to meet, increasing numbers of projects involving solar panels, wind turbines and alternative renewable energy sources are springing up across England and Wales.

As fantastic as this is for local economies and our electrician courses graduates, renewable energy projects are not without contention. As popular as they are with environmentalists and those looking to boost local jobs, wind turbine projects are loathed by locals who believe that such projects will tarnish and ruin natural landscapes.

This year more than 100 wind turbines are set to be built across North Wales, with a substantial number planned for Anglesey. The 40 planned wind turbines on the island are proving particularly contentious, especially since many of these turbines will be over 330ft high. Those who oppose these plans are concerned that their erection will mar the landscape, industrialising Anglesey’s natural landscape and reducing revenue from tourism.

This is not a dispute which is likely to be solved easily. There are many strong arguments from both sides of the fence, yet more wind turbines means more apprenticeships, work and a bright future for those with excellent trade skills after completing training on electrician courses and gaining expert trade skills in a range of areas. This is especially important in a period of recession and high levels of unemployment. For those with an environmental conscience, these turbines will make a vital contribution to Wale’s plans to become self-sufficient on renewable energy by 2050.

If you’d like to learn more about how to use Access electrician courses, plumbing courses and many forward-thinking modules to get into the booming renewable energy sector, call our experienced team today on 0800 345 7492 for top advice from the training experts.

As you’re no doubt aware, electricians are highly skilled workers who must complete extensive electrician courses in order to learn the many technical skills required to conduct excellent electrical work. However, a number of large companies are attempting to slash pay for electricians, even those who have completed the very best electrician courses, by a whopping 35%.

The companies involved include Balfour Beatty, a company who employ thousands of sparks across the country and recruit extensively from electrician courses. These big bosses are attempting to tear up the Joint Industry Board (JIB) agreement which governs pay and terms of employment for electricians across the UK.  They propose to replace JIB with the Building Engineering Services National Agreement (BESNA) which could cause wages to be slashed by a third.

Many electricians and trainees studying on electrician courses across the country are attempting to implement national strike action to fight these changes after a number of smaller, independent strikes broke out this week in cities including Edinburgh, Cardiff, London, Manchester and Birmingham.

UNITE are deeply involved in the strike actions and support the sparks’ call for a halt to the changes. Blacklisted worker and Manchester Unite construction branch secretary Steve Acheson said: "The number one priority is beating BESNA and we will because we are relentless."

Pay is not the only change that electricians will need to accept if BESNA is implemented. Compared to JIB, BESNA allows for inferior working conditions and reduced job security. During a period of recession, high unemployment and soaring costs of living, it is no wonder that electricians are up in arms about these alterations which many believe to be illegal.

At Access Training we offer top electrician courses to provide sparks with the very best start in the business. Whilst the industry may change, the quality and flexibility of our electrician courses does not. No matter what the current climate might suggest, excellent electrical skills are always in demand, so ensure you are at the top of your game by enrolling on electrician courses with Access. To call to discuss our electrician courses ring 0800 345 7492 today.

Whether you’re an experienced plumber or are only just embarking on plumbing training, if you have a hot idea for the future of eco-friendly heating and plumbing, ADEY want to hear from you! ADEY provide professional heating solutions and are looking for a sizzling new idea for a tool, appliance or product which will make a big splash in the world of plumbing and heating.

Anyone with a clever design is welcome to submit it, from those still in plumbing training to plumbers who have been in the business for decades. The forward-thinking competition is offering a £2,000 prize, along with lots of ADEY goodies for the winning design, which will then be developed using up to £50,000 worth of research, testing and expert assistance.

The design must be for an item which will have a positive environmental benefit within the plumbing and heating industries. Industry insiders are hopeful for the younger members of the heating and plumbing industries, many of whom are still in plumbing training. With the future of the plumbing industry in their hands, those currently in plumbing training are sure to be full of smart ideas for the ecologically-friendly development of the plumbing business.

If you’d like to get your hands on the top prize and see your energy saving design become a reality, you have until January 31st 2012 to submit your masterstroke. Just visit the ADEY site to learn more and submit your creation!

Even if your idea isn’t going to change the world, the competition is an excellent exercise in creativity in the plumbing industry. Encouraging forward-thinking and independent reasoning is really important to plumbing training courses in the 21st century. Training young plumbers to think creatively about their work is a great way to inspire talented workers to make a real impact on the skills base in the UK.

If you'd like to develop both yourself and your ideas, here at Access we offer a wide range of plumbing training courses to suit you and your goals. Explore the rest of our website or give our informative team a call on 0800 345 7492 today to find a plumbing training course for you!

It may seem like we’re subscribing to the old stereotype of clinical German efficiency, but the German vocational training system is extremely impressive. From plumbing courses to ‘mecatronics’ apprenticeships, the Germans do it better.

With the UK vocational system long overdue for an overhaul, what can we learn from the German system that will improve the way this country administrates plumbing courses and other forms of vocational education?

Why do we need change?

In March this year the Wolf Review found that the lack of consistency and regulation in vocational education in the UK was having a knock on effect on the quality of the education students were receiving. This in turn was shown to affect the skills base in our country. Following the report, Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, implemented an overhaul of the system. This overhaul was supposed to ensure all providers of plumbing courses, and other vocational training, were working to the same standard and general curriculum.

Unfortunately this overhaul has foundered. The complexity of organising thousands of disparate providers to ensure they conform to an overall standard has forced the changes to run aground. Many providers of plumbing courses and electrician courses are prepared (Access included) but a significant number are lagging behind.

Why are German plumbing courses so good?

Across the channel, in the current European economic heartland, the Germans have had an enviable vocational education system in place for over 40 years. It is based on a law called ‘Berufsausbildungsgesetz’, which unifies the whole vocational training system, making it the responsibility of the government, the trade unions and chambers of trade and industry. This guarantees the high standard of plumbing courses and is one of the driving forces behind Germany’s powerhouse economy. The high level of exceptionally skilled labour in Germany is testament to its vocational education system.

Another reason the German system works so well is that it is closely integrated with the academic school system in the country. It is far easier for the youth to undertake an apprenticeship in Germany, which means a whopping 51% have successfully completed an apprenticeship. This hands-on, company-driven approach makes a real impact on the level of skill in Deutschland.

What’s next for vocational training in the UK?

The reasons the German system works so well are very similar to the direction Gove was looking to take plumbing courses and other training courses in the UK. A unified system, a more hands-on approach, integration with academic grades, all of these moves would make a big difference, yet it may take the UK a while to reach this point.

In the meantime, if you are looking to enrol on plumbing courses, or alternative vocational courses, speak to the training provider who knows the lay of the land. Here at Access we understand how plumbing courses, electrician courses and carpentry courses ought to be run, and we are passionate about teaching people the skills they need to succeed. Contact our team today to talk about enrolling on plumbing courses and more today! You can reach us at 0800 345 7492.

This week the news that 1 in 10 students are reconsidering going into higher education thanks to uncapped and unaffordable tuition fees has thrown light on vocational choices like plumbing courses. A stunning two thirds of students who are considering going to university would now also consider doing vocational courses, such as plumbing courses, instead!

This shouldn’t really be news, yet people still seem to be shocked by it. Plumbing courses are looking like an increasingly smart option to youngsters thanks to a combination of excellent prospects, unaffordable student loans, high graduate unemployment and a general sense of dissatisfaction with the state of academia in the UK.

Plumbing courses give young people real prospects and the ability to start earning a very good wage, in a very good job, very quickly. The alternative is three years of (sometimes sub-par) teaching, a piece of paper, a lot of debt and no promise of prospects.

It used to be thought that anyone who wanted to get into a good, satisfying and well-paid profession would need a university degree. But, as graduate unemployment starts to look like a real problem, the smart money is now in plumbing courses. The UK has a huge number of highly academically educated youngsters but alarmingly few young people educated in skilled labour. Plumbing courses are now seeking to readdress this balance.

If you are interested in the money and job satisfaction that plumbing courses could set you up for, get in touch with us here at access. Every day new students, young and old, experienced and completely new, sign up for our plumbing courses to start their journey to a brighter future in plumbing! Call our friendly team on 0800 345 7492 now for more information and advice about how to get where you want to go with plumbing courses!

Throughout 2010, the economy has been slowly struggling back to full fitness; it sadly still has a long way to go, but at least everything is moving in the right direction. This has been evidenced by an increase in spending by the general public on non-essential items such as a bathroom revamp. Economists are optimistic of this trend continuing through 2011; excellent news for those currently attending a plumbing course.

The recent spending on bathroom overhauls is seen to be a sign that, although individuals do have excess income at their disposable, they are reluctant to move home due to the present condition of the housing market, and instead see refurbishment as a far more efficient use of their money. This comes as music to the ears of those currently attending, or thinking about attending a plumbing course in the future.

Here at Access Training we do not merely teach you the practicalities of the plumbing industry. We go into far more detail, teaching you the industry trends which we learn from plumbing trade suppliers and retailers. This added insight helps plumbing course graduates to target their service to make the most of forthcoming trends. One such online retailer, Tradeplumbing.com, has recently reported the current top two trends to be:

• ‘Enormous’ free standing baths
   and
• Heated flooring

Here at Access Training the plumbing courses we offer will extensively cover the fitting of baths as well as other general bathroom fitting. However, installing under floor heating, which is generally electric, will require the installer to have completed a relevant electrical course. Critically it must be one which covers domestic electrical installation and Part P of the building regulations. Such a course will enable an individual to complete the job and self certify their own work.

Existing plumbers who are interested in cashing in on the current surge in under floor heating throughout the UK should contact Access and undertake just a short electrical course to receive their Part P qualification.

If you are interested in giving your career a kick start, contact Access Training today. We will have the perfect industry recognised plumbing courses to suit your intended line of work.  

Thecareerengineer.com website has reported that the average daily wage commanded by self employed individuals working in the gas industry has risen by nearly 30% compared to their level during the same period last year. The figures contrast to the trend shown by other industries indicating that gas engineers and professionals are still in short supply.

Salaries of those employed by a third party have also been gradually on the rise. In other positive news for the industry, employers expect to see the amount of staff they recruit increase by around 5% throughout the year, increasing the employment opportunities once the relevant gas training has been completed. 

Thecareerengineer.com also reported that more than 20% of gas companies expected to see salaries rise by a further 10% over the forthcoming year. These increased rates of pay are a strong indicator that the gas industry remains buoyant and is in fact experiencing growth.

This is good news indeed if you are considering a change in direction. For a whole host of information regarding our wide range of gas training courses, contact Access Training today. There has rarely been a better opportunity to start a new career in the gas industry. 

Attend one of our Gas Safe courses and you will become a fully qualified gas engineer with industry recognised qualifications. Below are examples of some current vacancies in the gas industry which could realistically be your next job.

Posted on: 21/03/2011
Gas Engineers Wanted for 3 Locations
Salary: £660 to £680 per week
Location: Cardiff & Newport & Swansea
Description: Gas Engineers needed to do domestic service and repair work...

Gas Engineer Required
Salary: £12 to £13 per hour (plus vehicle, fuel card, and kit provided)
Location: Hereford & Worcester
Description: Gas service engineer is needed to cover the Herefordshire area. Must be fully ACS qualified. The client will provide a van, a gas analyser and a fuel card. The duration is ongoing. Please call on ... or email a C.V to...

Recent research has found that well over half of over 35 years olds do not possess the necessary levels of trades training to be able to carry out even the most basic DIY tasks. Persimmon Homes are seizing upon this research and advising people to think twice about buying new houses instead of older ones which may require work. Sales Director, John Gibbs, commented: “More than half of young adults aged less than 35 lack the basic DIY skills required to maintain their home. Although there are many homeowners who do enjoy carrying out DIY tasks and have the necessary skills to be able to do so safely and successfully, there is a significant number who do not”.

The research has also highlighted that homeowners have suffered financially after attempted DIY projects have failed. Mistakes have had to be rectified, costing nearly three times more than if the job had been completed correctly in the first instance. The average cost of putting right a failed DIY job which has been completed by an individual under the age of 35 is £2,498. This compares unfavourably to the £838 which is required to fix an ineffective job attempted by those over the age of 45.

If you want to save some money and complete DIY tasks safely and effectively, ensuring a top quality job at the first time of asking, you should certainly consider attending one of the DIY training courses we run here at Access. Our comprehensive trades training will give you the confidence to carry out DIY tasks in and around your home.