InstallerSCOTLAND/NI FESTIVAL was a virtual gathering providing top online sessions to installers in Scotland and Northern Ireland, supported by SNIPEF.

Here, we’ve rounded up the sessions that took place between 27-29 October, so you can watch on-demand at a time convenient to you.

Future proofing heating businesses in Scotland and Northern Ireland

OFTEC registered heating installers Garry Cowie and Emily Rosier joined Adrian Lightwood and David Blevings from OFTEC, and Ian Rippin from Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) to discuss a range of topics including:

• Why registration schemes are so important in Scotland and Northern Ireland
• Making the heating industry more attractive as a career choice for school leavers – and creating a more diverse workforce to address the skills shortage
• Top tips on how installers can future proof their businesses
• How to get involved with MCS.

Discussions revolved around the opportunities and value that being registered with a recognised scheme can offer heating businesses. As one of only 30 female OFTEC registered technicians across the UK and Ireland, Emily brought a fantastic insight into what appealed to her about a career in heating and plumbing. 

For any business contemplating their long term plans and considering diversifying into renewables, there’s an opportunity to pick up some tips on how to get started in the sector. Training is a key factor in registering with schemes like OFTEC and MCS, and the panel will discuss whether current training courses meet the needs of heating businesses who are embracing renewable technologies.  Plus, Ian Rippin from MCS provided guidance on registering with MCS and what they are doing as an organisation to make the scheme more accessible to smaller heating businesses. 

Watch here: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/future-proofing-heating/register

SNIPEF presentation on certification

SNIPEF provides you with an introduction to explain the Certification Scheme and prepare you for further training.

They looked at the Approved Certifier of Construction Scheme (ACCS), which allows qualified plumbers (Approved Certifiers of Construction) to “self-certify” drainage, plumbing and heating work which is subject to a Building Warrant.

Watch here:

Q&A with Graham Plumbers’ Merchant

Graham The Plumbers’ Merchant was founded in 1936 in Glasgow, as builders merchant Thomas Graham & Son.

We were joined by Ian Kenny for a Q&A focusing on what Graham is doing to support its loyal customer base.

Watch here:

Room 102

As part of InstallerSCOTLAND/NI FESTIVAL, Installer was joined by five installers for Room 102 – the place where plumbers flush away their pet peeves forever.

On Tuesday 27 October at 7pm, Installer’s Head of Content Joe Sharpe was joined by Stewarty Martin (Gasfit Plumbing & Heating) and Mike Stuart (W & M Stuart Ltd).

Watch here:

And on Thursday 29 October at 7pm, we returned with Ryan Mills (G.D. Mills Plumbing & Heating), Douglas Rae (Douglas Rae Plumbing & Heating), and Gordon Ingram (Gordon Ingram Plumbing & Heating).

Watch here: