Micon Distribution LTD is a leading distributor to the fireplace and stove industry throughout the UK and Ireland and is offering the new course to technicians to provide greater support for retailers and installers within the industry.
In conjunction with North West Regional College, the specialist course aims to provide candidates with the knowledge and understanding to install dry stoves which meet the requirements of building regulations and standards.
The new training centre in Lisburn brings the number of centres in Ireland offering solid fuel training to two, with METAC already established in the Republic of Ireland. The courses are open to technicians wanting to demonstrate their competence to customers and offers a recognised qualifications and registration with a trade association with an excellent track record.
With trendy solid fuel stoves in vogue at the moment, it is important that householders know the risks and understand the importance of correct installation and proper maintenance. New and replacement solid fuel combustion appliances must be installed in accordance with regional building regulations and manufacturer’s installation instructions. If they are not installed and maintained correctly they can present a dangerous risk to life and property.
Registering with OFTEC and becoming a ‘Competent Person’ means a technician can demonstrate their competence to consumers. This certification allows consumers to have peace of mind as the technician has been trained, assessed and inspected in the field and is deemed competent to work on their heating system. Additionally, technicians have full insurance and are part of a trade association with a proper complaints procedure in place, should something go wrong. The technician also has access to free technical advice seven days a week, the support of local inspectors on the ground and the use of control documentation for the benefit of consumers.
Micon will initially offer installers the OFT15- 108(D) – Installation, commissioning and servicing of solid fuel burning appliances (dry space heating) and propose to offer the OFT15-108(W) – Installation, commissioning and servicing of solid fuel burning appliances (dry space heating and hot water heating) later this year.
Under each scope of registration, technicians can install, commission and service solid fuel fired stoves, room heaters and associated equipment and systems in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, industry practices and standards, and legislative requirements.
Micon is a family run business that has been operating within the industry for over 30 years and is led by brothers Michael and Conor Farnan.
Managing Director, Michael Farnan, said, “The next step for us was to ensure we had the support in place for our retailers and installers within the industry. Becoming an OFTEC Approved Training Centre enables us to provide recognised training and assessment of installers.”
David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland Manager, added, “We are delighted to welcome Micon as an OFTEC training centre in Northern Ireland. Their offering of the solid fuel course will complement the current oil courses being run by centres locally and, along with METAC in the Republic of Ireland, fills a welcome gap in the solid fuel market.
“For too long there has been a limited offering of solid fuel training in Ireland and we are delighted to be associated with proactive providers like Micon and METAC. “For OFTEC registrants who have completed a solid fuel course in recent years they can add on the solid fuel scope of registration from just £50 (€65).”
Book your place on a solid fuel course. Contact (NI) Micon – Kerry Hunter on 028 7127 6170, e-mail Kerry.hunter@nwrc.ac.uk or Christine Murphy on 028 9262 0877. Or for the Republic of Ireland, contact METAC on 057 8756540.
