Retailers registered with HETAS, the official body for approving heating appliances, fuels and services, will now have access to a tailor-made training course to assure their customers that they are delivering top-quality service.

The HETAS Approved Retailer Course aims to ensure that approved retailers have at least one HETAS trained member of staff on duty in the showroom at all times to advise customers on appliances and a number of key issues including maintenance, carbon monoxide, government regulations and fuels.

HETAS ceo Bruce Allen said: “We’ve noticed a real spike in visits to our website this heating season, which we’ve attributed to a growing awareness amongst consumers about the importance of having a HETAS approved appliance in their home and a HETAS approved installer to fit it. We wanted to provide our retailers with a course which will better equip them for answering customer questions in the showroom.”

For the first time, HETAS is able to deliver the course in the retailer’s own showroom for a group of four or more. “As the course is theory-based and doesn’t require a practical assessment, we’re able to take the course on the road which is of course a huge benefit to our retailers who can be extremely busy in peak seasons,” he added.

The one day course involves group exercises, interactive sessions and will give learners a detailed understanding of solid fuel types and appliances in terms of the factors affecting selection, storage as well as the legislation that applies to dwellings.

Once qualified, retailers will be able to make use of the HETAS logo and marketing options, as well as accessing the HETAS guide to products, the technical helpline and HETAS online shop.

The HETAS Approved Retailer Course is available at HETAS’ training centres from November.

For more information visit: http://www.hetas.co.uk/professionals/training-courses/ or call 01684 278170.