After spending around two years telling everyone else to get their act together and get properly trained and registered, I finally got round to getting my own City & Guilds 2079 qualification (courtesy of e-learningtraining.com - the training arm of Star Refrigeration).

I will admit that, since it has been around 13 years since I did my C&G2078 test and I've had no formal training since then other than manufacturer-based product-training days, I was a little nervous.

However, I'm pleased to say that the whole process went very well and I'd recommend it to anyone.

When I first looked at what e-learningtraining.com were doing the whole concept of distance learning was a method that appealed to me. This maybe isn't so important to many readers of this website but living in North East Scotland we are not exactly inundated with colleges offering refrigeration or air conditioning courses.

As such, any companies in this area normally have to send engineers to Glasgow for 2079 certification. If they require refresher training, as many of our existing stock of R&AC engineers in the UK undoubtedly do, this could possibly amount to several thousands of pounds if you have a few engineers needing a few days off the tools and in a classroom environment.

Alternatively, consider the e-learningtraining.com method: purchase the F Gas training gold package online and, once registered, you can log in as often as you like.

The software itself has a thorough step-by-step description of each necessary topic within the online GOLA assessment, describing the basics of the Kyoto and Montreal protocols, explaining how refrigerants work in a vapour compression cycle and giving examples of refrigerant properties. Extensive help menus further explain the details.

Once you've been through the modules you can take a virtual test to see how well you really know your subject and to learn that really you need to go over the modules again! Importantly though, you go through things at your own pace and as often as you feel you need to.

After you've completed the course and you're happy with your level of knowledge you apply for an assessment date at any of the Star Refrigeration premises - although I understand if you have enough engineers they can come to you.

You then do the online GOLA assessment, under the beady eye of an invigilator, and carry out the practical assessments: brazing; strength testing; leakage testing using direct and indirect methods; charging; assessment of operating parameters (measuring pressures, temperatures and superheat); and safe recovery. And all in only one day away from your normal work.

I've got to say I found the whole process very easy and would endorse it to anyone.

And now that I'm a fully qualified F Gas engineer (category I of course) I can work anywhere in Europe under the mutual recognition rules written into Regulation 842/2006.

So next time the weather turns poor I might just up sticks and ply my trade in a warmer climate. Does anyone know what's Spanish for "superheat"?