Professional Builder explores the latest in online learning for plumbing and heating installers.
During the course of the pandemic many manufacturers navigated the demands of social distancing by making use of online educational resources. In many cases these have proven to be hugely popular with tradespeople and companies are now continuing to expand the training they offer via the world wide web, whilst combining it with more traditional hands-on instruction. Professional Builder’s looks at what’s new on the net, the latest in face-to-face learning, and how the two are coming together for the convenience of the trades.
Vocational Learning
With its latest vocational course Vaillant has taken exactly that approach, bringing together on-site learning with theory-based modules that can be taken from the comfort of an installers own home. The courses cover Water Regulations, Unvented Hot Water Systems, Energy Efficiency, and Electrical Safe Isolation. Once complete, installers are then able to attend a Vaillant Centre of Excellence to complete the practical element, before receiving their qualification. The new approach will see the time typically needed to attend training courses significantly reduced.
For more information on the Cert-ain vocational courses available from Vaillant, visit https://www.vaillant.co.uk/for-installers/training/online-training/
Virtual Training
The virtual training programme that Baxi introduced in response to the pandemic has proven so successful that the manufacturer will continue to offer it as an option, even when nationwide training centres re-open.
Tom Murray, Specification Director Commercial and Residential at Baxi Heating, explains more: “With the energy transition to a net-zero future at the forefront of the residential specification marketplace, being able to train customers on new technologies and products that will aid the industry to meet the carbon challenge is really important. For the residential new-build market, this will mean a greater emphasis on the importance of technologies such as air source heat pumps. However, our training valuably covers the complete range of our products including our gas and electric boilers, hot water cylinders, energy saving accessories including the SHRU, FGHR and heating controls.”
To find more information about Baxi Assure Bespoke Training services and to register your interest visit http://www.baxi.co.uk/assuretraining
Installer videos
Aimed at supporting installers with some of the common technical issues usually covered in its training sessions, Triton has collated a series of Installer Head Cam step-by-step videos.
The demonstrations provide a hands-on view through the use of a head camera to capture the troubleshooting process from the tradesperson’s point of view, making them easy to follow. The clips cover a range of topics and are available to access on Triton’s YouTube channel, allowing installers to watch them anywhere. Whether at home in the evening, on a job throughout the day or even during a lunch break – tradespeople can easily access the tools they require to complete the task at hand.
For more information about Triton’s Installer Head Cam videos, visit the Triton YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/TritonShowers
Oil and gas boilers
Face-to-face training from Navien has resumed in multiple locations across the UK, giving installers the opportunity to attend a nearby session. The free course is designed to enable engineers to keep their skillsets up to date, in addition to informing them of any recent technological and product developments. Attendees will learn about the company’s range of oil and gas boilers – including an insight into the LCB700 oil boiler and NCB domestic gas boiler ranges – as well as its energy saving smart controls. Lunch will be provided on the day, as well as a giveaway pack to take home worth £300.
Smart digital showering
In order to support tradespeople in communicating the advantages of smart showering, Aqualisa has announced a comprehensive education and training initiative. The programme includes the launch of ‘Aquastorm’, the company’s brand new mobile training showroom, and ‘Smart Hub’, an online portal hosting information, insights and advice on the benefits of smart showers for the consumer and installer. Designed to be the leading authority on, and destination for, smart shower information, the latter is described as a comprehensive online knowledge centre covering all aspects of the technology, from the wellbeing, safety and eco-friendly benefits to step-by-step installation processes and technical product specifications.
The Aqualisa Smart Hub can be found at www.aqualisa.co.uk/smarthub
