Warning! The Big Boys have arrived!

[Dic Penderyn]

Shwmae Chaps!

Haven't posted for a while thought I'd let you know about a phone call i got today!

It was a recruitment agency asking, "if I would like to train as a PV installer?" "and for £150.00 per Install I would receive ongoing training."
:13: I asked was it for one of the big companies? and as I expected it was.


I have already trained as a PV installer and hoped to set up and sub-contract to the very same client the big boys are contracted to and offer a professional and relable service.

Do you think we are going to get desperate fake sparkies getting on the job training and destroying the PV market?

I don't think I'll bother!

 

[northernsun]

I'd say undoubtably. I know of a well known company that uses roofers aged 18-20 and then has the job signed off by sparks. (or did anyway)

There are plenty of idiots out there who will go some way to ruining things- paying an apprentice roofer to do everything "apart from the final testing" or yeah- having trainees doing the job.
I know of a company who offered training courses at £500 each per day who then went on site with the team and got stuck in. fair do's, but the installation team were both apprentices! 2 extra roofers on a job and a grand - can't be bad. Dont see any reason why it wont happen with the sparkies.

Are we talking about you paying £150 or being paid btw?

 

[markfxy]

You could always try agency work £11.00 per hour for solar PV installers, How can they find installers at those prices apart from recruiting chancers, So much for MCS raising standards!!

 

[Dic Penderyn]

Hi Guys!

It is £150 getting paid per install. Monkey see monkey do! Until it all goes wrong!

The client should put a stop this because they have to rent these properties. I just hope any shoddy work reflects this, cheap labour free for all.

 

[northernsun]

thought so but its such a state of affairs that i'd even ask! Its not beyond the realms of possibilites for sparks fresh out of a 2 week "electricians course" to be paying to do it!

Until it goes wrong is exactly right!
To be honest though it happens with every trade and skill- there were hopes that things might be different with PV, what with the hoops you have to jump through to be accredited but I think if you're big enough different rules apply.

 

[Dic Penderyn]

Like Markfxy implied: it contradicts MCS raising standards.

Regarding the 2 week sparks taking advantage of these opportunities, what's the requirement for a PV operative through Napit and NICEIC? Who's checking if the big boys are employing competent workers?

 

[MickF]

@Dic Penderyn

Had good chats with both NAPIT and NICEIC this week about what it takes to become a Certified Domestic Installer or Approved Contractor with either of them.

You may be suprised when you check it out yourself, how easy it is for ANYONE with only ONE weeks training can register with the above...