In our last post we talked briefly about the Government’s review of current building regulations and the emphasis of Part P, as well as how this applies to those individuals undergoing electrical training. We mentioned the building regulations exercise which was conducted with over 800 direct and indirect responses which produced some interesting results. We felt it was important to inform our electrical training graduates as well as our potential electrical training students of the future of the details and timescale of any prospective changes so you know exactly what is expected of you. 

The key finding is that current building regulations are far from perfect; there is plenty to be improved upon, although, for the most part, they are in pretty good shape. The Part P section of the regulations seemed to be a contentious point amongst many, especially those who have recently completed electrical training. The following viewpoints were highlighted on the Government website:

•  Large-scale support for reducing cost of compliance with Part P;
•  A questioning of the role of regulation and its scope e.g. why do we control what people do in their own homes (e.g. water temperature);
•  Make building regulations less bureaucratic and restrictive;
•  Review Part P home DIY electrical.

There was a common misunderstanding:

• Have you ever wanted to change that socket from a single socket to a double? Well you can’t, it’s illegal.

The regulations for DIYers left the following general complaint:

• Competent DIYers must pay to have work inspected by building control, or pay to have work carried out by perhaps less competent individuals who have completed the relevant electrical training.

Competent registered electricians also commented:

• Electricians who comply, register and have undergone thorough electrical training are undercut by cowboys who ignore rules and regulations
• Regulations are not enforced – cowboys are never prosecuted

There were also some broad views expressed regarding Part P rules:

• Electrical installation work in new and existing dwellings, however minor, must follow rules in BS 7671: 2001. (There is currently no technical guidance in Approved Document P)
• Riskier jobs are ‘notifiable’ and must either be:
  • inspected, tested and approved by a building control body, or
  • self-certified by a registered electrician who has undergone the relevant electrical training (‘Competent Person’)
• Notifiable jobs are:
  • new circuits and new/ replacement consumer units
  • extensions to circuits in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors
• Repairs and replacements are not notifiable
• Rules too confusing and not well understood by general public
• High building control charges discourage notification (especially simple jobs in kitchens)

Having reviewed the responses, MP Andrew Stunell, said: “For me this is just the start of the process - their contribution has informed my programme of work for the next year, and I want to work with them further to ensure building regulations are fit for the 21st century."

The programme of reform has also now been set out with the following actions:

• Set up Building Regulations Part P Technical Working Party
• Develop proposals for amending regulations and guidance
• Prepare formal Impact Assessment
• Publish consultation document – December 2011
• Conduct formal three month consultation
• Publish analysis of responses – July 2012
• Publish amended regulations and Approved Document – October 2012
• Bring new regulations and guidance into effect – April 2013

At Access Training we will, as ever, continue to monitor and report on statements from the Government as well as electrical training awarding bodies to bring to you the latest and most up to date information. Upon reflection it appears that Part P of the building regulations will receive further scrutiny over the next few years, culminating in a more refined set of regulations being implemented in a few years time. What is certain is that Part P electrical training courses will continue to be essential for the safety of consumers and installers alike.

Here at Access Training we aim to bring you all the latest industry news for electrical training graduates and prospective students alike, so you are fully equipped to make a name for yourself as a reputable and highly skilled electrician.  

Throughout 2010 the Government has been making a lot of noise about its intention to cut red tape and reform regulations across a wide range of industries. Current building regulations are to be looked at in detail to ensure they aid rather than prohibit the new Government policy of increasing the housing supply. It is also their intention to reform the planning system so it is more efficient, effective and supportive of economic development. In addition, the Government has stated that it will introduce a New Homes Bonus and will also reduce the total regulatory burden on the house building industry. This is potentially good news for individuals currently attending electrical courses, and especially those electrical courses which include the Part P elements.

In a move which was welcomed back in early 2010, MP Andrew Stunnell stated the need for free and open feedback from individuals in the construction industry as well as those running electrical courses in an attempt to streamline regulations: “I want to hear your views on how regulations can be improved, added to, or slimmed down. I would also welcome suggestions as to how we can deliver better levels of compliance in the future.”

The result of this Building Regulations Exercise was that over 200 responses were received; many from those who had recently completed electrical courses, although surprisingly not a lot of unexpected issues or suggestions arose. The conclusions we can draw at this stage will come as welcome news for those individuals currently attending electrician courses and especially for those thinking of attending electrical courses in the future, as less red tape will result in the creation of many more employment opportunities.

For those of you considering electrical courses, Access Training really should be your first choice. Our facilities are state of the art, as is the level of training our electrical courses provide. For further information call Access today on 0800 345 7492.

In an article written by Chris Simms and published by City & Guilds, the age of individuals currently undergoing City & Guild courses, including their electrical training courses, was put under the microscope. It was found that 18% of people currently undertaking courses are between the ages of 25–29. However, this decreases drastically with age, as those aged between 50-65 on City & Guilds courses count for just 8.5% of their students, whilst those over the age of 65 accounted for just 6%.

These figures contrast with the current employment figures for the UK, which shows that the number of individuals over the age of 50 and in work lies at 27%, a figure which has risen significantly over the past decade.

Simms argues that this trend of working for longer whilst undergoing less training could have severe consequences for the UK’s economy. He argued that individuals should invest more in courses, including electrical training, in an attempt to broaden the skills of those individuals of a working age. With a third of the working population expected to comprise of individuals over the age of 50 by 2020.

At Access Training we have seen a marked increase over the years in the number of people enquiring about training who are in this age bracket. They are often unsure as to whether the courses are designed for them and ask questions regarding their suitability for electrical training or training of any type. The advice we offer is clear; they should see their age as an advantage to train as they will bring a more mature approach to their work, and many customers will be more trusting of an older individual and more inclined to accept them into their properties.

Simms does allude to an attitude some employers may have, which centres on the view that the older you get the more one’s ability to learn diminishes. However, research has indicated that the opposite is in fact true: “The knowledge and skills accumulated over a lifetime can give senior individuals advantages over their younger counterparts in the learning process. Other factors often assumed to decline with age, such as memory, creative ability or problem solving abilities, can in fact be maintained or even improved through training. As for low return on investment, this simply doesn’t make sense as we move towards a world where working for 20 years after the age of 50 is not uncommon.”

It seems reasonable therefore to say to employers and to individuals themselves that investing in your future and enrolling on a course, such as our electrical training, can open up a wealth of new opportunities.

Here at Access Training individuals of any age are free to enrol on our electrical training course, or any of our courses for that matter. If you require any further information contact us today.

With the property market currently stagnant in many parts of the UK, more and more people are choosing to renovate their current property rather than move home. This is creating great opportunities for graduates of plumbing courses as well as those individuals currently undergoing bathroom fitting courses. Not only is a surge in demand for bathroom renovations expected, they will also be able to add 5% of their own home, and all by completing plumbing courses with Access Training.

Rosie Millard, writing for the Daily Telegraph, stated that by simply renovating an existing bathroom it was possible to increase a property’s value. Creating a clean, stylish space would also attract potential buyers if you are considering selling your property.

Millard gave clear advice for plumbing courses graduates and those looking to install bathroom suites. They should always opt for white as a coloured suite ‘will look dreadful in just a matter of months’.

Such trends should make for interesting reading or those individuals either attending or considering Access Training’s plumbing courses. There is a buoyant market out there in homes across the country for new bathrooms, or on a slightly grander scale, en suite bathrooms built in bedrooms and lofts. So consider the possibility of attending one of our plumbing courses, forming your own business and installing bathrooms for your customers across the UK. You could create a niche and lucrative business for yourself. However, first things first, successful completion of one of our industry recognised plumbing courses.

For further information regarding Access Training’s wide range of plumbing courses, call us on 0800 345 7492 today.   

In a positive news story from Manchester’s Marketing and Business Development (MBD), it has been reported that the decline in the UK bathroom industry only actually fell by 2% in 2010, far less than initially feared. This comes as refreshing news for those currently on plumbing courses as well as plumbing course graduates, and halts a far greater decrease compared with the previous two years. Many plumbing course graduates had switched to fault finding and repair tasks, as demand for bathroom installation had declined so drastically. 

The MBD remained optimistic for the future of the plumbing industry, reporting its worth at £1.9bn in 2010, and looking towards the future, forecasts anticipate the market will increase year on year up until 2015, with demand predicted to increase by 3% in 2011.

Marketing and Business Development commented: “We expect the market to increase by a cumulative 26% between 2010 and 2015, taking it to just under £2.5bn. At 2010 prices, baths will represent £429m of the total industry, toilets £289m, basins £235m, bidets £17m and enclosures £182m.” These figures show that plumbing courses graduates should be ploughing fertile ground over the next few years, with many high street DIY retailers requiring additional bathroom fitters to join their ranks.

So what does this mean for plumbing courses graduates and bathroom fitting students currently in training? Well it appears there will be a wealth of work available, even with the small decline seen over the past year. And with the anticipated surge in demand for new bathroom installation over the coming years, the future really does look rosy.

We have already discussed on previous posts the shortage of plumbing course graduates in Britain. However, the problem is now extending worldwide, with the US the latest in a long line of countries to experience such a scarcity. Plumbing course graduates are now in demand in some of the world’s most sought after destinations including Australia and Canada.

In a discussion on one America’s foremost debate websites, Splice Today, aspiring college graduates have been discussing the merits of university degrees, and wondering if they would be better placed for the future if they learnt a trade such as plumbing, as it would virtually guarantee them a lucrative and secure career.

Contributions from experts on the subject of career paths have suggested that although higher education may well be the pathway to a successful life for some, those who pursue an in demand trade such as plumbing will find that an excellent income awaits them once they have successfully completed their training.

Journalist Frank DeFilippo, says: “America needs tinkerers as well as thinkers. We need PhDs, but we also need plumbers… College, for the most part, equips people to do nothing, except maybe think, which has its own rewards and is not a bad thing. But the salary for that won’t always cover the mortgage.

“Anyone who isn’t afraid to get a little grease under his fingernails or luxuriate in the slime and grime of a broken pipe or backed-up sink is likely to receive more take-home pay than a graduate with a degree in literature or philosophy. And maybe even the professor teaching literature and philosophy as well.”

The comments were met with widespread agreement: “I recently retired after 35 years as an engineer. I have 3 master’s degrees in math, business and project management. On an hourly basis, I pay my plumber more than I ever earned, and am glad to do it. It’s not just plumbers. We need electricians… and so much more. It’s not the money. What we have to do is restore the status we took from the skilled trades.”

It seems the message is clear the world over, becoming a plumber can offer a greater standard of living than one may expect and is certainly a career worth considering wherever you are in the world. Talk to Access Training today and realise your potential by attending an industry recognised plumbing course. We have a suitable course for everyone including those currently in full time employment.

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.  

The current economic climate has put strain on the purse strings of many, resulting in far fewer individuals finding themselves in a position where they can afford to buy their own home. This is music to the ears of Gas Safe qualified engineers as well as those currently completing gas courses, as landlords have strict legal requirements they must fulfill before renting out their property to ensure the safety of the gas system.

In a rented property the landlord is responsible for ensuring that the pipe work, appliances and gas flues are maintained and kept in a safe condition. It is a legal requirement that a gas safety check is carried out every year; this must be carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer who has attended the relevant gas courses. The landlord must then give their tenants a copy of the gas safety record within 28 days of the check being completed, or prior to them moving into the property.

The employment and business opportunities available for qualified gas engineers are currently plentiful. Only Gas Safe registered engineers are permitted to perform these checks, ensuring a ready supply of work. This is just the type of work you could be carrying out if you are seriously looking into gas courses with Access Training. The courses are delivered with commercial work in mind, so carrying out the necessary checks on a landlord’s property as well as completing paperwork can be performed with ease.

If you would like to enter this growing industry then there really is no time like the present. Enquire with us today about becoming a qualified gas safe engineer and we will help you to decide which of our gas courses is best suited to you.

Undertaking a career change can be a daunting proposition for anyone thinking of becoming a professional tradesperson, especially if they are considering enrolling onto a training course such as one of the electrical courses with Access Training. Most people contacting the Course Advisors at Access Training explain their plans but also express their reservations about taking the leap into a subject such as electrics, where they have no previous experience at all. 

To help allay any fears or misconceptions people may have, the team at Access Training decided that some work experience could be arranged for people if they would like to gain a greater understanding prior to attending their training for example, before one of our electrical courses. We approached Steven Walker who immediately jumped at the chance of working with Access Training again, having been in the position himself of changing career and not knowing where it might lead.

Steven Walker had formed his own plumbing and electrical installation company, SK Solutions, last year after completing an electrical course with Access and his company continues to go from strength to strength. He was delighted to be able to show students the ropes and give them an insight into the trade and agreed to show the first two students the type of work he was undertaking. The result being that the student’s fears about their radical change in careers were soon put to one side as they began their work at SK Solutions Ltd.

Since completing his course, Steven has found that the amount of plumbing and electrical work was building up quickly and he was finding his services to be in much demand. He then decided the time was right to recruit a fellow student from the very same plumbing course he attended only a matter of months earlier. Such is the faith and high regard that Steven held for the quality of the student produced by Access Training, he has now gone one step further and decided to take on students before they have even begun their course.

This example shows just how highly the electrical courses offered by Access Training are regarded. We go the extra yard to make sure our students receive the service and training they deserve, every step of the way. If you are looking to start a new career and are considering enrolling on a course then contact Access Training today. Our electrical courses and plumbing courses really are the best around and we always take any extra steps we can to help our students enjoy a stress-free career change.