BSEE NEWS


ith female technicians accounting for less than one per cent of OFTEC’s 9,000 plus registration base, the trade association says action must be taken to encourage more women into the heating profession as a vital step towards combating the growing skills crisis.


W


Gender diversity in the workplace has become a hot topic, further supported by the introduction of the new gender pay gap reporting regulations which require all companies with over 250 employees to publish the difference between how much their male and female staff earn.


Currently just 2% of tradespeople in the UK are women while latest statistics show that of the 1,120 heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration apprenticeships started in 2014/15, just 20 were taken up by women.


Yet a recent survey by the Federation of Master Builders found that almost a third (30%) of homeowners would prefer to hire a female tradesperson and 42% said they would feel more at ease with a woman coming into their home – so


there is clearly a gap in the market waiting to be plugged. OFTEC Training Manager,


David Knipe comments: “The heating profession could and should appeal to anyone who is looking for a fulfilling, hands-on career, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or any other characteristic.


“At a time when the heating industry is facing severe skills shortages, we should be tapping into the potential the female recruitment market offers. This will also help to ensure the heating industry of tomorrow is more representative of our increasingly diverse society and remains responsive to consumers’ needs.”


OFTEC registered technician Hollie Stallworthy who runs her own oil heating business, Hollie’s Heating Services in Kent, agrees: “Schools and colleges should encourage all students, regardless of gender, to consider the trades if they show the necessary physical and logical skills. I went to an all-girls secondary school and although I had the right aptitude, no one ever suggested I could become a tradesperson.”


Adversing: 01622 699116 Editorial: 01354 461430


Heang industry gender diversity must be addressed – OFTEC


Baxi launches new Commercial Training Academy in Warwick


uBaxi Heang’s Commercial Training Academy in Warwick.


axi Heating, which includes Andrews Water Heaters and Potterton Commercial, has launched a Commercial Training Academy which aims to be the go-to programme for training in the commercial heating sector.


B


uOne of the few: Hollie Stallworthy of Hollie’s Heang Services, at work.


Castle announces major healthcare facility contract win


astle Building Services Organisation, the privately- owned building services design and installation contractor, has announced a contract win for its North East office on a new £9.8m healthcare facility in York. Working on behalf of principal contractor, Kier Construction, Castle will provide a full range of mechanical, electrical and plumbing services on a new seven-suite endoscopy facility for York Teaching Hospital NHS Trust Foundation under the NHS P21Framework.


C


The facility will also include recovery areas, interview-discharge rooms, offices and a plant room as well as ancillary spaces.


The two-storey endoscopy facility is currently being constructed on top of an existing physiotherapy unit and adjacent to the neuro sciences and renal departments. For that reason, it is a logistically challenging scheme to deliver.


While working on the project, Castle will face several challenges, not least those associated with working on a live hospital site. To overcome this, the contractor will work closely with the Trust, its stakeholders and Kier Construction’s site team to ensure minimum disruption to patients, clinical staff and visitors.


Further to the general building services, the unit requires specialised services to support its clinical function including uninterruptible power supplies and isolated power supplies as well as medical gas installations. Castle is currently working at pre-construction stage and will commence on site in July. The schedule of works is expected to last approximately 40 weeks, with the contractor expected to handover in the second quarter of 2019. Castle’s Commercial Director, Andrew Dawson said: “I’m delighted to announce the news of our appointment to such a prestigious


All product training is free and content is tailored to the needs of the audience, with hands on training for contractors and bespoke training for distributors. In addition to an updated curriculum, there is a new online booking system allowing customers to browse for courses, view more information, make a booking and manage existing bookings.


Anyone who books and attends a training course between now and 1 June 2018 will receive a complimentary branded softshell jacket.


Mark Lovegrove, Commercial Training Manager, said: “Attending a course will build confidence in working with our products, which will not only benefit them but also result in a better service for the end-user. They also get the opportunity to network with their peers, share knowledge and experiences, and potentially form new business relationships. “Also, legislation is constantly evolving, so can be confusing for contractors to know what’s expected of them. Attending training is a straightforward way to stay up to date and remain compliant. What’s more, our courses are tailored to specific job titles or areas of focus, so attendees only get the most relevant information.”


uAn architect’s impression of the new, York Endoscopy Unit at York Hospital.


Paul Hull, director of P R Hull Plumbing & Heating Ltd and founder of Gas Safety Superheroes said: “When it comes to improving gas safety, manufacturer training courses are paramount. It’s not enough just to become accredited and start doing gas work; engineers should make sure they know everything about the products they’re working with. Some may think they don’t have the time to take a day out of work to attend a training course, but it’s a small price to pay to keep customers safe.


scheme for York Hospital. Our previous experience of working in a clinical environment will stand us in good stead on this project.”


“I recently attended one of Potterton Commercial’s training courses as I hadn’t worked with their products for a few years and wanted to get back up to speed. It was really useful. Mark, the trainer, was very knowledgeable and more than happy to answer any questions I had.” For information and to book, visit www.andrewswaterheaters.co.uk/training or www.pottertoncommercial.co.uk/training.


Save the Date 14 February 2019 - The Building Centre London


BUILDING SERVICES FORUM


in association with Building Services & Environmental Engineer 4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MAY 2018 www.buildingservicesforum.london @BSEEmagazine #BuildingServicesForum VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bsee.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50