A new register of trained installers has been launched by the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies in order to give local authorities and householder’s confidence when selecting a renewables tradesperson in their area.
All those who train with the Skills Academy are eligible to join the register, allowing installers to promote their accredited skills and qualifications to gain new customers and subcontract work.
For consumers, selecting a tradesperson on the register provides peace of mind that their local installer has been trained to industry-recognised standards and meets practical competence required by initiatives such as Green Deal.
In addition to being listed on the register, installers also get access to comprehensive marketing support such as a free van sticker, hi-vis vest, advice booklet for customers, promotional leaflet and a special ‘Trained Installer’ National Skills Academy logo to use on vans, work wear and business cards.
Speaking at the launch of the register, National Skills Academy Executive Director Cathryn Hickey outlined the importance of the register in a time when consumer confidence in renewables is vital if the low carbon market is to take off:
“We believe that what will underpin consumer confidence is for individual installers – rather than an overarching company – to be recognised as having the appropriate skills and knowledge to undertake the installation and commissioning of the relevant technology. The register acts as a point of reference for end users to ensure that their tradesperson has been trained to the industry standard.
“For installers, being on the register can provide a clear business opportunity, giving them the edge over local competition by promoting their Academy endorsement to existing and potential customers to show their commitment to their skills development.”
Work is now taking place with organisations such as local authorities and consumer bodies to promote the register as a tool for homeowners and other specifiers to use when searching for local renewables installers. It will also provide a useful reference for larger companies wishing to find reputable and skilled renewables installers to subcontract work to.