Thanks to high efficiencies and options for all types of homes, from historic to new build, wood burners continue to be a popular choice for environmentally and style conscious home owners alike.

Phil Lowe, key account manager for Schiedel said: 'The latest wood burners can make a real contribution to reducing a home's carbon footprint; the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) estimates that wood burning stoves could account for 10 percent of the UK Government's carbon reduction targets by 2020.

'Training to become a solid fuel installer is therefore a great business move, particularly as much of our region is rural - traditionally the stronghold of the stove. That's not to say wood burning's not for city dwellers; there are appliances suitable for smoke free zones with cutting-edge designs to suit the most modern tastes.

'We're delighted to offer this new course as it provides everything a would-be solid fuel heat installer needs to meet the requirements of HETAS registration, in order to trade safely and legally as a competent engineer,' Phil concluded.

The Introduction to Solid Fuel +Plus course, accredited by HETAS, takes five days and is ideal for candidates with practical skills and experience in any related area, such as plumbing, building, and gas heating.

Including training, assessment and the compilation of a portfolio of evidence, the course combines a number of HETAS-accredited courses and is enriched with practical installation scenarios, either on-site or in Schiedel's purpose-built training area.

On successful completion of the course, candidates will have met the criteria to gain HETAS registration, a necessary requirement to trade safely and legally as a solid fuel heating installer.

Schiedel's Solid Fuel +Plus course covers the following HETAS courses:
•    H001: Introduction to solid fuel, overview of appliances, fuel, legislation and environmental protection measures.
•    H002: Solid fuel regulations and standards, the principles of combustion, fuel types and flue system and ventilation requirements.
•    H003DS: Flue & chimney inspection, solid fuel appliance specification, installation, commissioning and maintenance.
•    H006: The installation & testing of prefabricated twin wall flue.

While no specific experience is necessary for this course, it is recommended that candidates have transferable skills in a related field.

For more information, visit: www.schiedel.com/uk/training