New course for plumbers, using three dimensional virtual technology can help solve the shortage of plumbers in the UK, claims the training course provider.
JTL, which offers the new plumbers’ training course, issued a fresh warning that the UK’s construction industry could soon be hit by a shortage of skilled plumbers.
The Heating & Ventilation Contractors’ Association (HVCA) which counts many plumbers and heating engineers among its members has criticised the government for failing to support its own legislation.
A recent report by the Business and Enterprise Select Committee predicted heating and energy bills will continue to rise significantly “over and above the increases already announced this year”. As millions of households face soaring price rises, the committee calls for a review of the energy industry with a view to make reforms wherever necessary.
EDF, the French owned utility company has announced that cost of heating and electricity will go up, leading the last round of energy price increases. EDF has raised prices of gas by 22 per cent and of electricity by 17%. This increase translates to around £200 per annum for a dual fuel bill. At the moment an average dual fuel bill of an EDF customer stands on £1,211.
British Gas has announced that it plans to develop a household boiler that is powered by fuels cells. The new domestic boiler, a major improvement on current renewable technologies, will produce up to two and half tones less of carbon dioxide per year compared with a standard boiler. According to British Gas, the new boiler will cut a typical household’s carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50 per cent. The new boiler will be an outcome of British Gas’ collaboration with Ceres Power.
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has launched a scheme for energy assessors. The Scheme has been accredited by the government’s department for Communities and Local Government. The certification is one of the first available for energy assessors.
Ideal Boilers, known in the industry for its domestic and commercial heating systems, is rolling out a new logo and corporate identity. The company that offers a wide range of products from boilers and central heating radiators to bathroom suites, has been privately owned since the end of 2007.
Recent research shows that 60% of consumers believe they will get ripped off by those in the home maintenance industry (such as plumbers, heating engineers, electricians, builders etc.). The research shows that 18% of the people surveyed said that TV programmes such as ‘Rogue Traders’ have put them off from using a home maintenance tradesman.
Corgi, the UK’s gas safety watchdog is calling for an introduction of a coherent system of gathering and reporting data on carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, as several reports show conflicting results on injuries and fatalities due to CO poisoning (caused from faulty boilers, faulty gas cookers etc.).
A certification scheme for plumbing work was recently launched by the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employer’s Federation (SNIPEF), in conjunction with Scottish Water. The new scheme allows businesses that have met the set criteria to be an Approved Contractor. According to the scheme plumbers which are approved contractors can self-certify that the plumbing work they carry out meets the Water Bylaws requirement.
