oil boiler training

[dontknowitall]

It's a big shame. They were talking about compulsory registration years ago. (Ditto for wet plumbing.)

Just talk though. Probably to encourage us to take more exams and, therefore, pay them more money.

 

[lame plumber]

I don't blame the training centres. I was totally satisfied with the training, I just think OFTEC need to stop squeezing people so much.

I felt ripped off, being forced to purchase a 'warranty insurance' which basically means if my work isn't to the current building regulations, and I then fold the business, the customer can claim from the insurance to get it put right.

I think they're missing the point, I've spent a fortune on training, and registration, I have £10million quid of public liability insurance, as well as employers insurance. Don't think I'll be sticking crap installs in.

That will be the domain of the cowboys, who don't generally have warranty insurance, or public liability insurance, or pay tax, or give a damn when it all goes wrong. So what's the point, other than to drip away at decent tradesmen. It really pees me off, and I've generally accepted that running a proper business means everyone wants a slice of the pie.

totally agree after all I feel I install and work to the standards laid down, hold liability insurance and sign off the work as required. Building regs also sign off work and if they get it wrong they arent liable. I have yet to pay any warrantee insurance and wont be doing so its another rip off, they are chasing the wrong people

 

[peteheat]

As I understand it to get OFTEC (oil work) the same level of respect given to gas via legislation / laws etc costs a lot of money lobbying and educating the governments (Ireland and UK).

Any profits made from the books and membership fees are needed to run the organisation to represent us as best they can similar to the trade union (or what they are supposed to do) except the self employed do not qualify as Union members having failed the Brotherhood by going all Capitalist.

Of course I would like to see more results starting with oil companies filling doubtful tanks, I would also like to see the sale of single skin oil tanks banned and more information made available to the consumers about the risks they run using unregistered parties to carry out oil work in a similar way to RGII and Gas Safe, advertising on such a level costs a lot of money which can only be raised by our contributions.

I'm staying with OFTEC for at least another year eagerly watching for progress.