Yearly Archives: 2016

Proposed Changes to the next ACS Suites

The changes to BS 6891: 2015 will be reflected in the October 2016 ACS Suites. The area’s that will be affected are: CCN1 CESP1/CMA1/CMA2LS Non-Domestic Core Part A (Including COCNP1LS) CCLP1/PD/LAV The scope of this British Standard specifies the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of gas installation pipework carrying 2nd and 3rd family gas of […]

Geoff Coughlan, Marchwood Skills Centre

“The support from BPEC during the setting up of our Marchwood ACS Gas Centre was outstanding – from initial advisory visits and continued support during the process. The approval visit was conducted professionally and made us all feel at ease, we really look forward to having a great working relationship with BPEC for many years […]

BPEC Visit Brockenhurst College

BPEC attended the Opening Evening for Brockenhurst’s state of the art gas training facility at their Marchwood Skills Centre. We are very proud to be working with the team at Brockenhurst and look forward to working closely together in the future. It is a fantastic centre with a great team to support candidates in their […]

BPEC Domestic Gas Safety Manual

BPEC are delighted to announce that the Combined Domestic Gas Safety Training Manual has been updated to meet all the current Legislation and Regulation changes. The objective of this training material is to allow the candidate to practice general skill/knowledge of the Gas Safety Regulations, procedures and British Standards, which must be applied when carrying […]

Changes to Qualification Time Methodology

Awarding Organisations are required to allocate TQT (Total Qualification Time) to all qualifications. Total Qualification Time is comprised of the following two elements: (a) the number of hours which an awarding organisation has assigned to a qualification for Guided Learning, and; (b) an estimate of the number of hours a Learner will reasonably be likely […]

QCF to RQF

The Regulated Qualification Framework is replacing the Qualification and Credit Framework. By December 2017 all qualifications will have had the reference to QCF removed from titles as well as all associated documentation. During this period of transition, BPEC advise Centres to consider this when producing marketing materials and we recommend avoiding using the term QCF […]

BPEC Domestic Ventilation Installer

BPEC recently received confirmation from BEAMA that the BPEC Domestic Ventilation Installer course has been accepted by Certsure for their Competent Person Scheme. The BPEC Certificate will be acceptable for a firm applying to join the Certsure Ventilation Competent Persons Scheme. Domestic Ventilation Installer Course Information This 2 day course will enable candidates to install and/or inspect […]

Renewable Pre-requisites

Can centres please ensure that the pre-requisites for all renewable courses are followed when candidates are undertaking their application. Guidance can be found in the SummitSkills Building Services Engineering Sector QCF Qualifications – Environmental Technology Systems document. For further information, please contact our Services team via: E: Services@bpec.org.uk T: 01332 376000 (Option 3)

Water Regulations and WIAPS Approval

Can centres please ensure that candidates are aware that undertaking the Certificate in Water Regulations Knowledge alone does not make an individual approved. Once they have completed the course, they need to apply for Approved Status. This can be done by applying to one of the four Water Industry Approved Contractor Schemes (APLUS, TAPS, WaterMark […]

WaterSafe Accreditation Scheme

WaterSafe is the new nationwide accreditation scheme for plumbers – an advantage of being a member is providing peace-of-mind for customers whilst also getting industry endorsement for the individual’s business. If your centre would like leaflets and posters to highlight the scheme to pass onto your candidates please contact Thomas Cook, WIAPS Manager at Water Regs […]

Oxford Energy Academy’s Apprentices score £500 for Sobell House

Plumbing and Heating and Gas Apprentices from Oxford Energy Academy, based in Witney, held a football tournament at Tilsley Park and raised £500 for Sobell House Hospice. The tournament was organised by Oxford Energy Academy tutor, Jake Lynch and saw eight teams compete in the first annual Oxford Energy Academy Charity Shield competition held during […]

BPEC Announcement to Staff and Customers

After almost six and a half years, Frank Glover, BPEC’s Independent Chairman has decided to step down from his role. Frank brought a wealth of experience of marketing and sales as well as a track record of operating as a Board level Director for a range of companies. During his time as Chairman Frank has […]

“Our final day – key highlights”

“It took a while to get used to the time difference in The Gambia. We experienced ‘Gambian Maybe Time’ on several occasions during our stay – “we leave at 9.30am prompt” – actually means 11.03 – we WILL come back a lot more patient!!!! We were given the VIP treatment in the purpose built directors […]

Angy Irvin, Oxford Energy Academy

“The BPEC team are friendly and helpful and it is always possible to speak directly to the person you require. Their website is easy to use and they have a good assessment process. All in all BPEC well deserve their excellent reputation within the industry.”

“We have moved back to the capital now”

“We have moved back to the capital now (Banjul), and one of our last jobs was to oversee the purchase of new tools and equipment for the maintenance team. This is part of BPEC’s Legacy Funding support to the hospital which not only boosts staff morale, but will enable essential works to be carried out […]

BPEC New Brochure Images

BPEC are designing a new brochure and would like to include images from our colleges and centres. If you can provide any images of trainees/engineers working in a controlled environment that would be great. Areas to cover are Plumbing, Gas, Oil and Renewables. Please send all images to marketing@bpec.org.uk Thank you in advance.

“This is really pushing the boundaries”

“Bansang Hospital are really proud to add the first woman to their Maintenance team. This is really pushing the boundaries and is setting the standard for others to follow their example. Fatoumatah is training to be an electrician and is becoming an integral part of the team. We were able to fit in a visit […]

“Fast food outlets are quite different in The Gambia”

“KFC Gambia style – fast food outlets are quite different in The Gambia – they tend to cut out the middle man. We have seen many locals bringing home the still live chicken ready for their evening meal. The Road to Paradise – Mark informs me that some improvements have been made since they visited […]

“A great initiative”

“We were able to inspect the trade aid boxes donated to the hospital from the Grantham and Kettering Rotary Club. This has provided some vital tools for the maintenance team. A great initiative, which is worth exploring further by the BPEC Charity. Bike riding in the dark – It’s a couple of miles to the […]

“The language barrier was interesting”

“Alikum (or Hello in Mandika), We had a brilliant interactive meeting / workshop with the whole of the maintenance team. The language barrier was interesting (not everyone understood Scouse), but we managed to get an interpreter for Mark. For waati konteng (goodbye).”

“Staying by the river can be very picturesque”

“Early start at Bansang. Being woken up for prayers at 05.30am every morning can be frustrating, however the compensation is the beautiful view of the sun rising at dawn. Staying by the river can be very picturesque, however it is shared by quite a few animals. Seeing this family of hippos put us off our […]

“A lot of improvements have been made”

“After our warm welcome we were given a tour of the hospital. A lot of improvements have been made. The maintenance block has been fully completed and lots of shelving installed – we just need to go shopping to buy some new materials to fill them up. Leaks galore and to use Marks technical term […]

“It took almost 6 hours to get to Bansang”

“It took almost 6 hours to get to Bansang from the capital (Banjul). Some of the roads are nice and flat, but others take the term off road driving to the limit. Mark & I took it in turns to enjoy the ride in the back of the pick-up!”

“What a welcome!”

“What a welcome. As we approached Bansang the whole village came out to meet us. Really overwhelming and very humbling to experience the wonderful welcome we received – Mark even got to show off his dancing skills!”