Following widespread concerns about the consistency and quality of gas training delivery in the UK and fears that the current minimum standards might not be fit for purpose, the Government set up a Parliamentary Inquiry last year to investigate whether a fundamental rethink was necessary, to improve the regulatory framework around training standards for gas engineers.

A recent survey undertaken by Crusader Vans, shows the best locations in the UK for those trading in building services. The survey compared salaries, the number of vacancies and the number of businesses in various locations. The results were interesting – and encouraging.

Logic Certification is currently running a series of CPD workshops across the country for LCL certified centres. The workshops are designed to provide useful information on industry updates and best practice. The first two workshops have now taken place and have been very well received.

We have appointed Neill Ovenden as Technical Specialist/External Verifier (EV). In his new role, where he’ll chiefly be supporting LCL centres, Neill will also be involved in developing qualifications, writing assessments and examinations and working as a technical reviewer.

At the end of 2018 there were some important updates to domestic ACS assessments covering changes to the Gas Safety Regulations and standards. In addition, the guidance to the ACS scheme rules have been amended and now stipulate that newly qualified learners need to gain at least 6 months’ experience on the Gas Safe Register before they extend or the scope of their professional work.

The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, which were published in July 2018, came into force in January - all new electrical installations must now comply with BS7671:2018. The 18th Edition book was updated in December, including eleven corrections.

We recommend centres familiarise themselves with these changes by accessing the Corrigendum document here.

Ofqual has commissioned Pye Tait Consulting to conduct research into what learning providers and learners think about vocational qualifications, in order to help Ofqual understand how best to meet employer needs. The focus of the research is on Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs) typically, but not exclusively, NVQs.

Antony O’Neil of Trades Training in Edinburgh knows what it’s like to ride through tough times and is now reaping the rewards of his hard work and determination. He set up the training centre in 2007, just three months before the recession began. Economic downturns are always tough on the construction trade, but he began small, focusing on tiling and plastering in the early days and moving into plumbing as nearby training centres fell by the wayside and he spotted new demand.

LCL has set up a series of CPD workshops to run across the country through January – March 2019.  Approved centres will be sent booking forms in early December.

On 1^st November, Gas Safe Register brought in new requirements for dealing with non-standard installations and changes to the inspection process, in the form of a Technical Bulletin.