AUGUST 2010 NEWSLETTER
MICROGENERATION CERTIFICATION SCHEME (MCS)
The government's Microgeneration Certification Scheme
independently certifies renewable energy technologies, microgeneration products and engineers in accordance with documented standards.
Under the UK Government's Low Carbon Building Programme, grants of up to £2,500 per property are available for the
installation of MCS certified microgeneration technologies by certified installers. The grant covers a range of buildings including households, community organisations, public, private
and the non-profit sectors.
Levels of grants available vary according to the technology and will be provided towards the cost of installing the following:
* Solar thermal hot water
* Ground source heat pumps
* Air source heat pumps
* Bio-energy
Certification bodies for the MCS include;
* BBA
* BRE Global
* CORGI Services
* EC Certification Ltd incorporating ELECSA
* NAPIT Certification
* NICEIC
To gain certification, installers must undergo an office inspection to evaluate the technical competence of their staff,
confirmation of training requirements and record-keeping and witness an installation in progress. They must also show that they have signed up to a Code of Practice that meets the
guidelines set by the Office of Fair Trading's Consumer Code Approval Scheme
SWAAT ACHIEVES 'FLAWLESS' MCS ACCREDITATION
Thanks to Sally's wealth of knowledge and Mike's skills and experience
South West Assessment and Training were able to achieve a 'flawless' MCS accreditation when the Corgi MCS inspector visited the centre.
It was certainly an achievement as according to the inspector no other company he had so far visited had done the same. It is now
hoped that SWAAT will be used as a 'standard' against which other companies will be compared.
For this reason South West Assessment and Training are able to offer you the opportunity to gain the knowledge and documentation required
to meet this standard in order to gain the same accreditation. If you require further details please telephone our office on 01579 348544.
'SUITE' OF HEALTH AND SAFETY COURSES AVAILABLE
A hurdle to many installers seeking MCS accreditation is the requirement for
up-to-date health and safety documentation, something that should be in place already! S.W.A.A.T. understand how difficult it is to make sense of
all of the requirements surrounding Health and Safety regulations, particularly when a job simply needs doing! To aid in making the process as simple and
as straight-forward as possible S.W.A.A.T. are offering a range of 1/2 day and 1 day course tailored to your requirements.
Courses on offer include;
Health and Safety Awareness for operatives
Health and Safety Awareness for managers
Work at Height Regulations
Asbestos Awareness
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Other courses, such as manual handling and abrasive wheel training are available if required. If you require further details please telephone our office on 01579 348544.
COMMERCIAL PHOTO-VOLTAIC AVAILABLE
Another 'first' for S.W.A.A.T. is the availability of a commercial solar photo-voltaic course as an
'add-on' to an existing solar pv qualification. If you are interested in attending this course please contact our office on 01579 348544.
CODE OF SUSTAINABLE HOMES COURSE AVAILABLE
The Code of Sustainable Homes is a large and, somewhat complex subject. For this reason
South West Assessment and Training can offer guidance through the minefield and help you understand what is required to achieve each code.
If you are interested in attending this course please contact our office on 01579 348544.
OFTEC OIL
From July 2010 delegates are no longer able to undertake single OFTEC elements (i.e. add OFT102, OFT101, OFT105e, OFT600A to existing qualifications).
Also, if OFTEC qualifications are not currently held it will not be possible to undertake OFTEC assessments without first successfully completing either the OFT50 qualification or completing a portfolio of evidence
which will need to be witnessed and signed off by another OFTEC qualified oil engineer.
For further information please ring either Aileen, Tracy or Alex in our office on 01579 348544.
PLUMBING AND GAS NVQ COURSES
South West Assessment and Training are pleased to announce that City and Guilds Plumbing and Gas NVQ courses will shortly be available at the
centre. The Certificate in Plumbing Studies will provide anyone wishing to enter the plumbing industry to understand the knowledge and theory before they progress onto the next level. The City & Guilds 6129
Technical Certificate starts with basic pipe work skills and moves onto more complex plumbing tasks including airing cupboards, bathroom suites, above ground drainage, central heating installation, lead work and low carbon steel pipework.
The NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Plumbing are aimed at those already working in the industry and who wish to prove their skills and knowledge against the
National Occupational Standards. Candidates will be assessed by collating a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates their competence against the performance requirements.
The Fast-track Plumbing course is designed for experienced plumbing operatives who require formal qualification.
A FAMILIAR FACE ON BBC TELEVISION!
A familiar face to South West Assessment and Training appeared on BBC1 on the evening of
Saturday 17th July. Richard Davies from Bournemouth appeared on the popular gameshow 'In It to Win It'. Although he was not chosen as one of the contestants to
progress to the questions rounds he was spotted by the eagle-eyed staff at S.W.A.A.T.!
