Andrew Hounsfiled with a Tuscan wall hung boiler
Norwich Gas, Electrical and Oil (NGEO) has been training and assessing heating professionals and apprentices since 2000. The company is the hub for OFTEC's ‘Competent Person Scheme' and ‘Experienced Worker' training and assessment and has around 500 students pass through its doors every year.
Chris Bealey, director of NGEO, said: 'Heating professionals have to retrain every five years, and again when new, big regulations are brought in.' However, it is not just those already working in heating that come to NGEO.
'We also offer ‘new entrant' training to those who have done their apprenticeship at college, but want to specialise in oil. With our OFTEC 50 training, they can build up their confidence with oil before embarking on a career working within the industry.'
Tom Brown, the lead oil trainer at NGEO explained: 'We were delighted to get our hands on a Hounsfield boiler. The boiler is very efficient with a range of flue options. It includes a fire valve and filters, and the bottom water-way allows the heat exchanger to be smaller making the boiler a compact and innovative design. It's ideal for our students to learn how to properly install and service a wide-range of boilers and know how to fit the best.'
The training is very thorough at NGEO as Chris explained: 'We need a wide variety of boilers to train students on, as they will come across many different makes and models in their work life. The Hounsfield boiler we have is used to enable students to practise carrying out a full service. The trainees have to problem solve the issue and dismantle the boiler and reassemble it.' Chris added: 'The burner is removed and serviced whilst students also have to appraise the boiler to see if it has been installed correctly and if the flue position is correct.'
'We're really-pleased with the support given by Hounsfield. Not only have they supplied one of their top boilers, managing director, Andrew Hounsfield, has also attended the centre and spoken at several of NGEO's breakfast seminars, where he has shared insights into his 30 plus years' experience in the oil boiler industry.' Andrew said: 'It is an honour to help those just starting out in their careers and NGEO offers a great nurturing environment to learn.'