Gas Safe Register has released a new technical bulletin (TB 162) that advises on the rationale behind a change to the 2-minute gas rate (heat input) check for domestic installations with metric (ultrasonic and diaphragm) gas metres.
Traditionally, gas engineers have conducted gas rating checks over a 2-minute period. However, Gas Safe Register has now stated that this can be completed in just 1 minute, reducing the time and cost of the check for both engineers and customers.
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A new survey [1] has found that UK homeowners are losing an average of £1,885 a year by failing to carry out essential home maintenance jobs. The most common tasks that people put off include fixing a leaking toilet, having gas appliances serviced and safety checked annually, and clearing damp or mould.
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Renewable energy installations are soaring in the UK, with heat pumps and solar panels leading the way.
More renewable energy installations were fitted in the first half of 2023 than in any other six-month period before, according to industry standards body MCS, with heat pumps and solar panels being the most popular technologies. Over 20,000 households installed solar panels every month, and heat pumps reached a record of 3,000 monthly installations. June 2023 alone saw more renewable energy installations than in any six-month period in recent history, with battery technologies particularly popular. This
Wales has taken the lead in renewable energy installations per household, overtaking Scotland for the first time since 2021.
Despite Scotland having around twice the number of households, MCS and housing data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows that a higher proportion of Welsh homes are reaping the benefits of renewable technologies.
As of April 2023, the proportion of renewable energy installations across the UK was:
- 7.24% in Wales
- 7.23% in Scotland
- 5.52% in England
- 4.19% in Northern Ireland
More needs to be done to reach current net zero targets.
Ian Rippin, chief executive of MCS, commented: "As the cost of energy continues to rise, more people are turning to renewable technology to generate their own energy and heat at home. We need to continue to support this expansion to meet our shared national ambitions to reach net zero by 2050."
"More consumers have the confidence to invest in small-scale renewables now than ever before, but we need to make that transition even easier."
Conclusion
The boom in renewable energy installations is a positive sign that the UK is moving towards a more sustainable future. However, more needs to be done to reach current net zero targets. The government can support this by providing financial incentives for people to invest in renewable energy technologies and by making it easier for people to install these technologies.
You can view the latest MCS figures in full here
Tool Theft: A Major Problem for Tradespeople in the UK
Tool theft is a major problem for tradespeople in the UK. In 2022, there were over 40,000 tool thefts reported, with an average value of £4,470.50 per theft. This means that tradespeople are losing over £100 million worth of tools each year.
Tool theft has a significant impact on tradespeople's businesses. It can lead to lost income, increased insurance costs, and damage to reputation. In some cases, tradespeople may even be forced to close their businesses altogether.
There are a number of things that tradespeople can do to protect themselves from tool theft More...
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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Stuart completed his training with Access at our Welwyn Garden City Centre to become an Electrician - and has since enrolled on some course add-ons. Since making a career change at 35, he is now working full-time as an Electrician, with his career going from strength to strength.
Find out more about his successful career change at 35 and training experience with Access Training here.
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In the UK, it is illegal to work on gas appliances unless you are Gas Safe registered. This is to ensure the safety of the public. In this blog we explain how to join the Gas Safe register and how to become Gas Safe registered.
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A 2022 survey of nationwide search data, found that the UK cities where electricians are most in demand (in terms of monthly searches) were:
- Worcester – 2,088 monthly searches
- Bedford – 1,723 monthly searches
- Preston – 1,783 monthly searches
- Lincoln – 1,696 monthly searches
- Colchester – 2,149 monthly searches
Qualified electricians are sorely needed in all parts of the UK, but, according to recent data, demand is particularly high in places like Worcester and Bedford.
This could be due to a number of factors, including an increasing number of new buildings being constructed, the need to upgrade old electrical infrastructure in domestic and commercial properties, and the growing popularity of electric vehicles.
Because of the many ways that our world is constantly changing, there is always a demand for electricians. This, in turn, creates plenty of job opportunities for electricians, making it a reliable and highly rewarding career choice.
Where can I train to be an electrician?
If you’re thinking about training as an electrician, now is a great time to do it. Here at Access Training, we provide several electrical training courses and our training centres can be found all over the UK, including the Midlands (1 hour drive from Worcester), Hertfordshire (around 1 hour drive from Bedford) and Manchester (just over an hour away from Preston).
Find your closest Access Training centre here, or get in touch to discuss your training requirements with one of our course advisors.
Access Training UK Training Centres
Our courses are designed to meet the needs of both beginner and experienced electricians and our training centres have everything you need to give you the skills you need to prepare you for a career as an electrician.
The courses cover a wide range of topics, including electrical installation, electrical theory, and electrical safety. We also offer a number of support services to our students, including career advice and help with finding work placements.
If you are interested in training as an electrician in the UK, Access Training is the perfect place to start. Speak to our course advisors today to learn more about courses and training options.
Some additional benefits of training as an electrician with Access Training include:
- Working on a variety of projects, from small domestic repairs to large commercial installations
- Working with cutting-edge technology
- Being part of a growing and in-demand industry
- Setting yourself up to work in a safe and sustainable field
If you're considering a career change or starting out on your journey in the trades, enquire today, Access Training can help.
Electrician Courses UK Training Centres
Learn your trade. Get qualified. Make it happen.
A new study has found that 63% of UK trades are struggling to find staff, amid a severe construction labour shortage. The study, conducted by Rated People, also found that many tradespeople are looking to leave the country to find work abroad, leaving an even greater demand for skilled workers across the country.
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