More people rely on qualified installers as DIY skills decline

Bad news for DIY retailers but good news for merchant trade stores

Lack of skills will lead to increased demand for professional tradespeople across all major industry trades such as electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and renewables. Coupled with the increased funding and opportunity schemes now available to the industry it should be considered an exciting time to be an installer.

The question now asked is ‘‘Which Installer should I choose to do the work?’ This means that the responsibility falls much more to the Installer to ensure that they stand out from the crowd and encourage consumers to hire them. A key element to gaining a competitive advantage is having the certification and registered status from an approved membership body.

Stroma Certification installer certification schemes

Stroma Certification’s installer certification schemes have been running for 7 years and now includes

• range of installer self-certification schemes
• dedicated Green Deal and renewables schemes 

Their installer schemes cover a wide breadth of skill sets and are set to grow further with the addition of biomass this winter and wind turbines in Spring 2015.

It’s not just about the certificate for Stroma; membership offers much more.:

• dedicated technical support team
• members website featuring industry news, scheme updates and software downloads
• regional and industry events allowing tradespeople an opportunity for face-to-face discussion

All Stroma software is developed in line with their industry experience, evidenced by their E-Cert electrical certificate software which was recently launched for electricians. There are also added value marketing elements such as their Noticeboard, Facebook page and van stickers which help members promote their companies – all of which are provided to members free of charge. In a congested installer market, benefits such as these really help to provide a competitive advantage.

Steve Horrocks, Technical Director at Stroma: “The reduction in DIY skills reflects the changing nature of modern society. It is a skills gap which can readily be filled by the wealth of competent and qualified installers who are active in the industry. Stroma’s installer membership numbers have been growing throughout the year and we have an extremely positive outlook for 2015. I’d urge all installers to make sure you’re certified with a Government approved certification provider so you’re able to take advantage of the increasing consumer demand and market your services to those customers.”

Stroma Certification Ltd delivers a variety of software solutions, training courses and Government approved and regulated certification schemes to installers, assessors and other stakeholders within the built environment industry.

Green Deal Certification

Accredited by UKAS under ISO 45011 to provide certification schemes, meeting Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) requirements, for:

• Green Deal Assessor Organisations (Domestic)
• Green Deal Assessor Organisations (Non-Domestic)
• Green Deal Installers

Microgeneration Certification Schemes (MCS)

Accredited by UKAS under ISO 45011 and licensed by the DECC to run MCS for:

• Solar Photovoltaics (PV)
• Solar Thermal
• Heat Pumps
• Biomass (Winter 2014)
• Wind Turbines (Spring 2015)

Competent Person Schemes (CPS)

Licensed by the DCLG to run CPS for the installation of:

• Heating or hot water system connected to: a heat-producing gas appliance, oil-fired, solid fuel burning combustion appliance combustion, electric heat source
• Oil-fired combustion appliance
• Oil storage tanks
• Mechanical ventilation or air conditioning system
• Lighting system
• Electric heating system
• Fixed low or extra-low voltage electricals
• Window, rooflight, roof window or door
• Sanitary convenience, sink, washbasin, bidet, fixed bath, shower or bathroom
• Supply of non-wholesome water
• System to produce electricity, heat or cooling by microgeneration, or renewable sources
• Insulating material into cavity walls internal walls and external walls

Contact:

Stroma
4 Pioneer Way,
Castleford
West Yorkshire
WF10 5QU

0845 621 11 11

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