The National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies has introduced a new register of trained installers which aims to give local authorities and householders confidence when selecting a renewables tradesperson in their area.
All those who train with the Skills Academy are eligible to join the register, enabling installers to promote their accredited skills and qualifications to win new customers and subcontract work.

From a consumer perspective, selecting a tradesperson from the register gives peace of mind that the local installer has been trained to industry-recognised standards and meets practical competence required by initiatives such as Green Deal.

As well as appearing in the register's listing, installers also have access to comprehensive marketing support such as a free van sticker, hi-vis vest, advice booklet for customers, promotional leaflet and a special 'Trained Installer' National Skills Academy logo which can be used on vans, workwear and business cards.

The register was launched during the recent Green Deal Skills Summit, where the challenges of Green Deal training and skills development were debated. The event was sponsored by the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies and hosted by the BBC's Naga Munchetty.

Speaking at the launch, Cathryn Hickey, executive director of the National Skills Academy, outlined the importance of the scheme in a time when consumer confidence in renewables is vital if the low carbon market is to take off:

'We believe that what will underpin consumer confidence is for individual installers - rather than an overarching company - to be recognised as having the appropriate skills and knowledge to undertake the installation and commissioning of the relevant technology. The register acts as a point of reference for end users to ensure that their tradesperson has been trained to the industry standard.'

She continued: 'For installers, being on the register can provide a clear business opportunity, giving them the edge over local competition by promoting their Academy endorsement to existing and potential customers to show their commitment to their skills development.'

Work is now underway organisations such as local authorities and consumer bodies to promote the register as a tool for homeowners and other specifiers to use when searching for local renewables installers. It will also be a useful reference for larger companies wishing to find reputable and skilled renewables installers to subcontract work to.

For more information visit www.nsaregister.org.uk