While there will always be a demand for qualified tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers and gas engineers, setting yourself apart from the other tradespeople in your local area is a good idea if you want to get your name out there among potential clients. The best way to do this is to consider qualifying in more than one skill.

What Skills Can I Combine?

Commonly gas engineer training goes hand in hand with plumbing qualifications, but there are far more potential combinations that could benefit your future career and boost your chance of success when starting up your own business.

For example, if a plumber were to undertake electrical training it would open up a variety of new work for them that they wouldn’t be able to complete otherwise without a second tradesperson. They would be able to properly install electric showers, and by achieving a Part-P qualification would also be permitted to sign off the work themselves once they had joined a relevant Competent Person Scheme.

Take note though, it’s vital that you train thoroughly in both skills. A plumber should not be attempting any electrical work without the proper electrical qualifications and the same goes for any other potential trades. Not only would you be putting yourself at risk, but your customer and their family too.

At Access Training, we offer a few different courses that cover multiple disciplines. For example, both our Premium and Professional Gas Courses include a plumbing qualification and our Premium Plumbing Course includes a gas qualification.

Still unsure if multi-skills training is right for you? Check out this testimonial from our student Rob. who started on one of our electrical courses and has now moved on to do plumbing and gas too...

If you want to master multiple trades, contact Access Training now and speak to one of our friendly course advisers - we can build you a personalised training programme that includes everything you want to learn.

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The short answer: No, in the UK, you cannot sign off electrical work in your own home unless it is considered “non-notifiable” work.

For any significant electrical work, you must hire a qualified electrician who is part of a government-approved Competent Person Scheme and registered under Part P of the Building Regulations. They will be able to self-certify their work and sign it off with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) which ensures all work meets safety standards.  

What Is “Non-Notifiable” Work?

Non-notifiable work refers to minor electrical alterations, for example:

• Changing a light switch
• Moving a socket outlet
• Moving cables
• Replacing damaged cables
• Replacing light fittings or control switches
• Adding a fused spur to an existing circuit

However, it is important to note that if the work being carried out is in a ‘special location’, like a bathroom, sauna or outdoors, you must notify your local building control.

What is “Notifiable” Work?

Notifiable work includes:

• Adding new circuits/ installations
• Work in special locations i.e. bathrooms or outdoor
• Changing a fuse board on a consumer unit
• Rewiring all/part of a house

All notifiable work must be signed off by a registered electrician, who is then responsible for notifying the local authority. Attempting to self-certify any complex electrical work is not only extremely dangerous but will leave you liable if issues arise later on.

Plus, if your electrical work isn’t properly certified, it can invalidate your home insurance in the case of an electrical incident!

Wanting to save the hassle and get qualified as an electrician? Here at Access Training, we offer a range of electrician courses, suited to everyone, no matter your experience level. Get in contact with us today to find out more!

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Heating costs can be a major expense during the winter months, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce them. Whilst most of these can be done by the general public, you may need additional help with others.

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As a society, our energy output is excessive. Electricity and natural gas are the most-used energy sources within homes, and they create greenhouse gases and air pollutants that are extremely harmful to the environment. To combat this, energy efficiency is essential. It helps consumers to reduce their energy consumption, utility costs and the impact of the carbon footprint.

Energy efficiency should be practiced by all households - it is an integral part of building a cleaner future. The UK have committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050. By being energy efficient, there is a chance that we will be able to achieve this target.

Does Energy Efficiency Reduce Bills? 

Yes! By lowering and prioritising your energy use, you'll see a reduction in your monthly bills. There are energy-efficient products on the market which may initially cost more, but they will undoubtedly save you more money over time. 

Interestingly, according to the Department of Energy & Climate Change, small and medium sized businesses could reduce their energy bills by up to 25% by installing energy efficient measures and practicing behavioural change.

What is Energy Efficiency? 

Energy efficiency, in its simplest form, is using less energy to perform the same task, thus eliminating energy waste.

A good example of this would be energy-efficient LED light bulbs - they are able to produce the same amount of light as incandescent light bulbs, but they use up to 80% less electricity. 

How To Be Energy Efficient 

If you'd like to start implementing energy efficient practices, then these small changes from the Energy Saving Trust are a good place to start.

Install a smart meter 

Smart meters are able to give you real-time information on your energy use. This way, you'll be able to manage your usage better so you can save money and reduce harmful emissions

Draught-proof windows and doors

Naturally, your home will lose heat through draughts around entryways, gaps and windows. With the winter months creeping in, there's no doubt that homes will suddenly get a lot colder. 

To combat this, you could invest in professional draught-proofing. This can cost around £225 on average, but the long-term benefits outweigh the upfront cost. You could save up to £125 every year on energy bills if you take the plunge and draught-proof your property. 

Second guess your washing routine

By putting more thought into your weekly clothes wash, you could save yourself around £34 a year. Avoid using higher temperatures as this uses up more energy, and try to limit your clothes wash to once a week.

Lights out!

Start a habit of turning off a light when you leave an area within a home. We're all guilty of it, but you could save almost £20 a year!

If you want to go the extra mile, swap all of your bulbs for energy efficient LEDS along with integrated sensors and timers for lights to ensure they're only on when they need to be. 

What Are the Benefits of Energy Efficiency? 

There are no disadvantages to being energy efficient - so it's a win-win situation! 

• Reduce air pollution

Air pollution is one of the world's single biggest environmental risks to human health. Energy efficiency can reduce both indoor and outdoor concentrations of air pollutions. 

• Improve health and wellbeing

Energy efficiency supports good mental and physical health by creating a healthy living environment for society. Recent evidence from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that chronic thermal issues and fuel poverty also have negative mental health effects such as increased anxiety, stress and depression.

• Lower your own energy prices

By using less energy, your monthly energy bill will reduce. You can also lower energy prices in general by reducing the need to add expensive power generation through reducing the pressure on energy resources. 

• Improve energy access

Continuing from the point above, if you do this, energy will become a more accessible source due to the lack of pressurised demand. 

At Access Training, we train our Gas and Electric Engineers for a sustainable future

We believe in quality trade education that lasts, for the peace of mind of our students and any customers that they work for in the future. Take a look at our range of electric and gas courses and get in touch at 0800 345 7492 to contribute to a more energy-efficient future.

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