AFTER a series of delays, F-Gas training and assessment courses are now coming on-stream from training establishments across the country.
The new mandatory certificates of competence, required under EC Regulation 842/2006, apply to all those who install, service and repair refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps. They were announced earlier this year and were originally expected to be available from October.

Well-known specialist acr training companies Business Edge, Ellis Training and Cool Concerns have all registered their intention to start courses within the next few weeks.

'It is going to affect around 30,000 people in the UK, who basically have to go back to school', says Mike Creamer, md of training specialist Business Edge.

Assessment schemes are now being offered by both City & Guilds, under the new certificate C&G 2079, and Construction Skills (CITB). The courses should be similar in outcome if not procedures, but both require practical and theoretical assessment. A range of courses of one to five days' duration are available costing up to £900.

Business Edge unveiled its programme of F-Gas training and assessment courses scheduled to take place at several locations across the UK during 2009. The first takes place in Portsmouth, Bristol and Milton Keynes in January 2009.
Business Edge will offer training in a three day course under the framework designed by Construction Skills. From December 15, Ellis Training starts running its F-Gas courses under the new certificate C&G 2079

Kelvin Kelly, Business Edge's training manager, said: 'We have a growing waiting list of people for the courses, literally hundreds of engineers. Companies are keen to be seen to be in the first wave, equipping their engineers to operate to the new standard.'

An individual's requirements will depend on which category of the F-Gas regulation they are being assessed to and their current level of knowledge and experience.

For more details contact:
Business Edge: 023 9223 0007
Ellis Training: 01707 879879
Cool Concerns: 01684 290333