A Lancashire plumber recently made headlines after generously fixing a 91-year-old, terminally-ill women’s boiler completely free of charge.

The story of humanitarian plumber, James Anderson, soon swept the nation after the photo of his bill for £0.00 – posted by the elderly woman’s daughter – went viral.

Under normal circumstances, the job would have cost just short of £500. Nevertheless, the fee was simply wiped clean by the 52-year-old plumber.

The rare act of unprompted kindness warmed the hearts of the nation (as well as the woman’s home); however, the aftermath has been equally uplifting.

In Hot Water

Despite making news across the country for the 91-year-old’s boiler job, Anderson has actually been helping the sick and the elderly for years.

Inspired by hearing how an elderly man was scammed by a cowboy plumber, Anderson launched Depher (Disabled and Elderly Plumbing and Heating Emergency Repair) in 2015, aiming to provide free or low-cost plumbing to those in need.

However, the switch from private firm to not-for-profit outfit landed the kind-hearted plumber in hot water as he racked up around £8k worth of debt.

Luckily, as the old saying goes, one good turn deserves another and good karma certainly repaid the favour in the case of Mr Anderson.

Good News Spreads Fast

After the story went viral, Mr Anderson received praise from all over the world as word quickly spread of his admirable generosity.

The result has seen him receive almost £80k worth of donations, allowing him to pay off debts and sustain the charitable work for the future.

Speaking of future plans, Anderson said: “My hope is to get Depher national, in every city and town,”

The influx of donations now allows Mr Anderson to carry out his charitable plumbing outside the boundaries of Lancashire, making that nationwide dream one step closer to reality.

To donate to Depher, visit Mr Anderson’s GoFundMe account for further details.

Shocking Statistics

According to a study by National Energy Action and E3G, more than 3000 people in the UK die each year as a result of not being able to heat their own homes. In 2019, those statistics are hard to comprehend.

While Mr Anderson and Depher are undoubtedly making a difference, the charity currently only operates in Lancashire and the surrounding areas. Those outside of the wider Lancs area are (as of press) largely out of luck.

Worse still, a skills shortage in the plumbing trade has seen demand outweigh supply. Meanwhile, the shortage of skilled tradesmen has also resulted in a rise in plumbing fees, pushing heating maintenance even further out of reach for some.

With that in mind, there’s never been a better time or reason to get involved in the plumbing trade. Not only does it offer a solid career path in a trade that’s in demand, you could genuinely make a difference to someone’s quality of life and potentially save a life in the process – even if your services aren’t completely free of charge.

If you’ve been inspired by this story and would like more information on how to become a plumber, get in touch today on 0800 345 7492 or drop us an email using the button below.

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A man from Staffordshire has been sentenced to prison time after he performed gas work in someone's home with no experience or qualifications to do so. The man, named Colin Christoper Batchelor, conducted this gas work in September 2016. He:

• Removed an old boiler
• Installed a new boiler 
• Installed a gas meter
• Connected pipework

All while being completely unregistered to do so!

When Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated this incident, they found that Mr Batchelor had performed gas work while claiming to his client that he was part of the Gas Safe register, when in fact, he was not. He was not competent to carry out the gas work that he did, and the result of his shoddy workmanship was a home left unsafe. Mr Batchelor failed to carry out any tests or examinations to verify that the installation was safe and gas-tight once his work was finished.

Mr Batchelor pleaded guilty to five separate breaches of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment for each offence. That means, that Mr Bachelor's thoughtless actions have cost him over three years of his life!

After the hearing, HSE inspector, Dr Riley Roberts, said:

"The Gas Safe Register Exist to protect the public from people such as Colin Christopher Batchelor, who are prepared to work illegally, falsify records and carry out potentially dangerous gas work. Performing gas work without being competent to do so can be highly dangerous and lead to loss of life."

Don't risk being prosecuted like Mr Batchelor. Do a gas course with Access Training Academies and we will give you the skills and practical knowledge you need to become Gas Safe registered.

Browse Our Gas Courses Now >

If you weren't already aware, a revised version of the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations became mandatory on 1st January 2019. These changes including, new and revised regulations, additional chapters and reorganised sections, have been made to improve the safety of installers and to tighten the focus on energy efficiency. 

Note: Electricians should obtain their own copy of the BS7671:2018 regulations and follow the requirements outlined in the 18th edition of the IET Wiring Regulations - this blog is only a brief overview of the changes made.

• An extra category (section 730 that caters for electrical shore connections and inland navigation vessels) has been added to cater for this specialised location.

• Some new definitions have been added and certain existing definitions have been altered. For example, the word 'departure' has been added. This term can be used when an intentional decision is made not to comply with BS7671.

• A new appendix (appendix 17) has been added that focuses on energy efficiency. This appendix makes recommendations so that designers can optimise the construction, assembly and installation of electrical components so they are energy efficient.

• Arc fault detection devices have a more prominent place in chapter 42. They provide protection against electrical fires caused by faulty AC circuits.

Here at Access Training Academies, we know how important it is for all practising electricians to have an excellent understanding of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, that's why we have a course dedicated to teaching you the ins and outs of the 18th Edition!

Find out more about our 18th edition course by clicking the button below, get in contact if you think this course is the perfect next step in your electrical career!

18th Edition Course >

Britain's departure from the EU is set to have an impact on every industry, including the construction sector. In a recent article by the National Housing Federation, they outline how two-thirds of housing professionals said they were facing a skills shortage, with exiting the EU being one of the main causes.  

To take a look at some numbers, a recent Federation of Master Builders Report indicates that '48% of SME construction firms reported a shortage of available plumbers' while '36% were struggling to find electricians' - and these numbers are expected to rise in the coming years!

The Immigration White Paper, published in December 2018, also proposes a new system where only 'skilled workers earning more than £30,000 per year' will be allowed to settle here, while less skilled workers will not be able to stay for longer than a year.

 So, what does all this mean?

Well, the uncertainty of Brexit is starting to drive EU construction workers away - particularly in London where there is the highest percentage of EU construction workers. British housing associations, construction companies and training centres, like ourselves, will really need to attract more people into the construction industry if we are to fill this pending employment gap. The number of British construction workers has to increase if we are to meet the housing needs of our population.

Is this the perfect time to train?

While this dramatic reduction in European construction workers seems alarming on the surface, it does present an opportunity for more British people to pursue careers in the construction industry. As more and more workers leave the UK during this tumultuous period, demand for construction workers in the UK increases. So newly trained workers shouldn't have any difficulty finding lucrative work in their chosen trade.

Are you interested in helping to bridge the post-Brexit skills shortage? We offer courses that will allow you to pursue a brand new career or expand your existing skill set, including:

• Electrical Courses
• Gas Courses
• Plumbing Courses
• Construction Courses

We really do believe that now is an excellent time to consider taking up a career in a trade. Our courses will provide you with the skills and qualifications you need to start your new career and really make a difference as a new construction industry emerges from post-Brexit Britain. Enquire about our courses today! 

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Here at Access Training, we constantly stress the importance of safe electrical practice in the workplace, but this unfortunate incident really brings it home!

On the 12th of April 2017, two demolition workers were tasked with removing electrical distribution equipment from a switchgear room at the Molecular Products site in Essex. The principal contractor had told the men that the electrical equipment they were dealing with had been fully isolated.

Foolishly, one man attempted to 'reassure his colleague' that the electricals had in fact been isolated by throwing a metal crowbar at the 400v ac equipment.

Unfortunately, when the crowbar came into contact with the live electricals it created a flashover (explosion) at temperatures of several thousand degrees which led immediately to quite a devastating fire. The man who through the crowbar, Mr Banks, suffered serious burns and was taken into hospital.

HSE investigated this incident and found that the task had not been properly planned at that suitable control measures hadn't been put in place. The principal contractor had failed to follow the procedures stating that all electrical equipment should be treated as live until properly checked and confirmed to be isolated. 

The Consequences:

• Mr Banks sustained horrific burns & injuries
• Russel Haigh and Stuart Haigh pled guilty to breaching Regulation 3 of the Electricity at Work Regulations  Act 1989 and we both fined £80,000
• AJ Wadhams & Co Ltd pled guilty to breaching section of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 197 and was fined £80,000

HSE inspector Adam Hills said:

“This incident has had a significant impact on Mr Banks life and the injuries could so very easily have been fatal. Had the companies followed the control measures outlined in their respective risk assessments, then this incident would not have occurred. Never assume that an electrical supply is disconnected. Always check with the distribution network operator or a qualified electrician to obtain written proof of isolation before commencing work.”

Read more about this incident here >

 Electrical Training

If there's one thing to take away from this, it's that working with electricals can be incredibly dangerous (and costly) if something goes wrong. That's why we can't stress enough how important it is that you receive the proper electrical training before carrying out this kind of work!

Here at Access Training Academies, we offer electrical training for students of all ages and abilities. If you're interested in pursuing a career in electrical work, come and learn the necessary skills and practices at one of our training centres. 

View Our Electrical Courses >

If you have any questions about our electrical courses, or to arrange a visit to one of our test centres, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 0800 345 7492 or email us at info@accesstraininguk.co.uk.

The third Monday in January, which falls on the 21^st of January this year, has been labelled as the most depressing day of the year or Blue Monday.

This year, rather than revelling in sadness and taking a negative attitude towards your life, we challenge you to turn this negativity into motivation and try something new. If Mondays in general (but particularly this one) make you feel down, depressed and unmotivated, then it’s time to make some changes.

At Access Training Academies, our goal is to give you the tools and skills you need to step into a career that is truly satisfying and fulfilling. We offer courses in a range of disciplines, so whether you want to try your hand at carpentry, branch into the world of IT and computing, or train to become a fully-qualified electrician – we can help! We have over 30 different courses for you to choose from, and our friendly and experienced tutors will guide and support you throughout to ensure you get the best possible results.

Never have another blue Monday again! Browse the courses we offer by heading to our site, or give us a call on 0800 345 7492 to talk to one of our advisers about how you can start your journey towards a more rewarding career.

Browse Courses Here >

If you haven’t noticed already, we have a brand new website! Our friends over at Designer Websites, who helped us out with our last website re-design back in 2015, have once again proved their capabilities and professionalism to bring our current website up-to-date with a new, attractive look and feel!

All of the great, important features that we included in our last re-design, such as the ‘course finder’ function has remained – so there should be no worries about having any difficulties finding the information or course you need. In fact, with our new design, locating the essential information you want regarding our range of courses is now even easier, with simplified menus and website copy. Something which was high on our priority list for the new design. As well as having updated pages for all of our existing courses in the electrical, gas, plumbing and construction industry, we now offer fantastic courses in the IT sector! These can now be viewed and applied for today!

We hope you enjoy navigating and using our new website just as much as we do! If you have any questions or want to enquire about one of our courses, click below today!

Get in Touch >

We all want the best for our children, but sometimes academic excellence isn’t always achievable.

Some parents might consider ‘the best’ career to be in medicine, law, dentistry, teaching etc, but that’s not to say that the child wants this future for his or herself. Perhaps your child doesn’t possess the skills and strengths required for that career?

If your child’s strengths suggest that their future ought to take a different direction, inspiring and encouraging them to grow is the healthy way forward.

However, it can be difficult to identify exactly what those strengths are and how they might take shape into a career - perhaps not even the child knows where these hidden skills might lie.

But they are dwelling inside them somewhere, and this article hopes to shed some light on how to get your child onto the right career path. More...

With the Rio Olympics now finished, one can’t help but watch in awe and wonder at the immense scale of such an event. Its worldwide significance is unparalleled - nowhere else on Earth is there to be found an event more significant than the Olympics, with nations around the world uniting to compete in a truly inspiring performance of passion, determination, respect and talent.

The demands for any Olympic hosting nation are extremely high - in 7 years, Brazil have had to complete a staggering amount of preparation for this year’s event, dubbed as ‘the biggest race in Olympic history’ . For a country which has certainly seen its fair share of difficulties in recent years, both politically and socially, and not to mention the recent Zika virus and terrorist threats, the demand could hardly have been higher.

But ultimately, the unsung heroes in making the Olympics a reality were the 90,000 or so tradespeople who were employed to perform a feat just as incredible as any Olympic event: building the Olympics itself. More...

In the UK, a ‘white van man’ is stereotype typically applied to independent tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians or gas engineers. They are often dubbed as being inconsiderate, rude, aggressive, and just generally unpleasant.

It is fair to say that this stereotype has sadly and unfairly tarnished the reputation of tradespeople with the same unfortunate brush. But is it an unfair portrayal? Or are the white van men of Great Britain really just as bad as they’re made out to be?

Here are the most common ‘white van man’ stereotypes that simply aren’t true: More...

If you have been feeling unfulfilled in your current career or job position, maybe you have been thinking about a change for a while, but have never got round to actually taking any action.here at Access Training we aim to make it as easy as possible to find and enrol onto your perfect trade training course.

To help make finding your course even easier, we have designed a new course finder feature on our homepage. All you have to do is simply select which trade you are interested in learning and you will be taken to the relevant course page. For instance, if you are interested in beginning a new career as a plumber, click “plumber” on the course finder and it will take you to our “train to become a plumber” page, on which you will find all the courses we have available, along with a detailed description for each course.

At Access Training, we specialise in delivering top quality trade training courses. If you have little to no experience in your chosen trade, then do not worry, or training courses are designed specially to turn the complete novice into an expert in the shortest time possible.

What courses do we offer at Access Training?

Plumber

If you are interested in becoming a professional plumber we can help. For the complete novice, we offer 3 courses all offering varying levels of qualifications. If you would like to be a Domestic Plumber, then our Essential Plumbing Course is perfect for you. You will learn all the fundamental skills and theory that you will need to become a plumber, and upon completion you will be awarded a city and guilds plumbing qualification.

For the more ambitious, we offer more comprehensive plumbing courses, our Professional Plumbing Course where you will learn the basics and work towards your NVQ Level 2 in plumbing and Heating, allowing you to take more advanced work after completion. Finally, our Premier Plumbing Course, which will not only train you as a plumber, but you will also train to be a qualified gas engineer.

Electrical Courses.

Like the plumbing courses above, we offer a range of Electrical courses for all you budding electricians out there. If you are a complete beginner, with little to no knowledge in electrics and would like to learn the basics of electrical work, and gain essential qualifications, then our Essential Electrical course is perfect for you. In this short course you will learn the 17th edition electrical regulations, and Part P Domestic Electrical Installer.

Again, if you would like to take on more advanced work after you become a fully trained electrician, our Professional Electrical Course, upon completion of this course you will be efficient in domestic installation jobs and you will become qualified to inspect and test commercial, domestic or industrial electrical installations. Throughout this course you will also gain 5 industry qualifications.

If you are looking to become an electrician, our Premier Electrical Course, is rivalled by none. Upon completion of the Premier Electrical Course, you will be an expert in both domestic and commercial electrical work, and gain 6 essential industry qualifications including, Part P, 17th edition, PAT testing, Inspection and Testing, Periodic inspection and testing, and Design, Erection and Verification qualifications.

Gas Engineer

Here at Access Training we are incredibly proud of the quality of the courses that we provide to our students, across a range of disciplines.  As well as Plumbing and Electrical courses, we also offer a range of Gas Engineering courses. These courses are ideal if you are a plumber looking to develop your skill set or if you are a complete beginner who would like to become a gas engineer.

If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of Gas Engineering, or you are looking for a refresh course, then our Essential Gas Course is the perfect course for you. Here you will learn the basics such as, practical skills, understanding installations, how to repair, service and maintain gas boilers, and much more!

If you want to become a fully qualified gas engineer, we offer our Professional Gas Course which will equip you with all the advanced knowledge you need to succeed in this field. We will also help you work towards your ACS Certificate. Our Premier Gas Course will not only train you to become a fully qualified Gas engineer, you will also be able to install and maintain electrical appliances.

We also offer a range of construction courses, here at access training, including;

• Carpentry courses
• Bricklaying Courses
• Plastering Courses
• Tilling Courses
• Property Developer

If you are interested in enrolling onto any of our courses, or would like any information about the courses we offer, please get in touch!