Biomass installer, Thermal Earth, have been delivering the highly regarded HETAS biomass courses from their new training academy since January 2013. Demand for the biomass qualifications has continuously risen throughout the year and is set to soar with the imminent arrival of domestic RHI this Spring.
Thermal Earth was the first training centre to run HETAS’ newly reformatted H005DE biomass course in 2013 and offer in total six different HETAS courses. Drawing upon years of experience in heating engineering, HETAS trainer Will Bowen ensures that all qualifications obtained at the Thermal Earth training academy are of the highest calibre.
As the official body recognised by Government to approve biomass and solid fuel installations, HETAS certification allows registered installers to self-certify that their work complies with relevant building regulations as well as issuing a certificate of compliance to the customer. The HETAS H005DE biomass course is aimed at qualified gas or oil heating engineers who are looking to enter biomass for RHI qualifying installations.
Thermal Earth was the first centre in the UK to run the H005DE course in November 2013 and received positive feed back from all participants of the five-day course. Meeting both the National Occupational Standard and requirements outlined by the MCS, critical for biomass installer skills, the course provides a detailed overview of types of biomass appliances, appropriate fuels and their correct storage. The extra day covers building regulations and European and British standards to equip installers with the knowledge to ensure their work achieves all the measures imposed and certify their installations. Assessment is carried out by a combination of a multiple choice theory exam and practical assessment that allows installers to demonstrate their ability in system designs, costing analysis, commissioning and servicing.
Will Bowen is the HETAS trainer and assessor for the H005DE course at Thermal Earth, with 40 years experience in the heating industry, 30 of which gained specifically in the solid fuel sector, he provides valuable wealth of knowledge to his teaching. Having previously worked for the Health and Safety Executive, Police and Local Authorities, Will has extensive insight into the numerous areas the industry covers.
Will spoke of Thermal Earth’s dedication to quality training saying: “ I am delighted to be involved with the Thermal Earth Training Academy. Thermal Earth’s experience in the installation and maintenance of both solid fuel and renewable heating incorporating biomass boilers is second to none.”
Thermal Earths Training Academy Manager, Abigail Davies, has helped develop the training academy from the inception and has obtained her A1 Assessor qualification. Abigail commented: “ Will is a vital cog in ensuring that we meet and exceed our promise. His unrivalled experience within the sector ensures that each and every candidate leaving this building, does so with the vital tools to safely install biomass equipment without causing risk to self or others.”
