Elements Training and Assessment has recently been appointed as an accredited Training Centre for the Unico Small Duct Heating and Ventilation system (sdHV). The training company, which has previously achieved Unico Specialist Partner (Consultant) status, is now offering courses covering everything from a general introduction to Unico technology through to comprehensive training on all aspects of system design, performance, installation and troubleshooting. The courses will take place at the company’s assessment centre in Stourbridge, West Midlands.
These programmes are already attracting great interest, not only from other Unico Specialist Partner contractors but also from installers who are considering adding the Unico central air distribution system to their existing installation and commissioning services covering wet systems.
Elements Training and Assessment is the Midlands’ leading centre and has a long pedigree in providing courses in plumbing, heating and gas. A number of gas courses are available covering foundation and safety that enable attendees to become gas registered and ready to go out into the field. Plumbing courses provide a range of specialist qualifications for new starters and experienced professionals, whilst underfloor heating courses provide qualifications to design and install systems competently.
Managing Partner at Elements Training and Assessment, Matt Stonehouse firmly believes that an increasing number of traditional contractors will be interested in installing Unico’s aspiration forced air technology for indoor climate control, whether in the home or in commercial premises. “Big changes are already taking place in the heating and air conditioning market. As a result of global warming, our need to get away from reliance on fossil fuels means contractors need to look at new and perhaps less familiar technologies including heat pumps, renewables generally and air movement systems to replace conventional boilers and air conditioning systems. We are here to help them on that journey.”
Matt acknowledges that there can be a bit of a fear factor amongst some installers who approach him for an introduction to or training in these new technologies, which is fully understandable. Taking away that fear is a fundamental aim of all the training that his company provides, whether in the field of relatively unknown small duct technology, heat pumps and other renewables or even when newcomers first take on installing conventional heating systems.
He continues, “Since the establishment of Elements Training and Assessment in 2005 with my father, our primary aim has been to provide the highest standards of industry training and definitely not be a “pay to pass” organisation. As a family business, we want to develop close professional relationships with our course attendees and business partners. We aim to deliver training with a smile or two along the way and this learning friendly environment helps participants to relax and learn at the same time.”
The approach has clearly worked over the last 17 years and there is an overall 98% pass rate for those attending the various courses. The company has accreditations and approvals by industry wide recognised organisations including BPEC, CIPHE, Gas Safe Register and the Engineering Council.
Business partnerships have been developed with organisations such as Daikin, Honeywell, Worcester Bosch, British Gas, Ideal, Viessman, Ariston Commercial, Polypipe and Pegler. A number of these originally approached Elements Training and Assessment on account of their reputation for high training standards and their own engineers have been trained there. Many are now returning on a five year cycle for retraining. Eon sends engineers to the company for training on smart meters, underlining how Elements is committed to progressing by getting involved in newer emerging consumer markets.
This forward thinking has aligned the decision to get on board with Unico’s sdHV technology. With no more new gas boiler installations in new build homes by 2025, many contractors are concerned about their future livelihoods as the demand for traditional skills in wet systems may start to slow down. Matt however believes this transition will create new opportunities as contractors can develop new capabilities and after completing the training can offer additional installation services to their customers.
In the case of Unico sdHV technology that uses forced air or aspiration technology, it’s not as Matt describes it, “rocket science” when it comes to installation. However, like everything else, it requires proper training to select, install and commission a system correctly. It ticks all the boxes in terms of providing heating, cooling and ventilation all year round in one compact, flexible system. It can be typically combined with Daikin or other air and ground source heat pumps, as well as with solar PV for cost effective and environmentally friendly operation.
It addresses the key concern of keeping indoor humidity levels under control efficiently and in doing so protects the building fabric itself from degradation through factors such as condensation and mould growth. It raises indoor air quality levels, offering protection to those who suffer from respiratory ailments through its ability to ventilate a property, incorporate standard or higher performance air filters as well as UV light air purification technology to kill viruses and bacteria.
Its ease of installation, virtually silent operation and the interior design freedom it affords, makes it equally suitable for new housing developments, self-build homes as well as the renovation of period or architecturally designed properties. Local authorities and housing associations are looking for new indoor climate control solutions that provide easy operation and simple control of the indoor environment for occupants – and Unico is already being specified for such applications.
“If installers have the ability to install such a versatile technology, which is proven in tens of thousands of installations throughout the world, including highly demanding clinical and specialist environments, I have no doubt they are investing not only in their futures, but in that of their clients too,” says Matt.
As a BPEC approved Training Centre, Elements is constantly developing training courses, qualifications and assessments. The company is dedicated to providing education and lifelong learning to those involved in the building services sector. Elements is a highly professional organisation with nine technical experts and a fully qualified City and Guilds team including completely separate specialist instructors, assessors and verifiers.
Six dedicated areas of the fully equipped Training Centre feature fully operational market leading products provided by manufacturers. This enables Elements to fully replicate field conditions and address issues that installers may encounter. There are state-of-the-art training bays, demonstration areas and climate controlled classroom learning suites.
For Unico, Matt and his team have cooperated closely with Bell Plumbing Supplies, Unico’s principal UK distribution partner and based across the Midlands. Working together, in-depth training courses are arranged for a team of installers from one individual Unico Specialist Partner or alternatively group familiarisation and training is available for other contractors considering involvement with Unico.
In the Unico practical training area, operational vertical and horizontal air handling units are used and installers can learn how to set them up correctly, connect with a heat pump and other energy sources, fit different types of duct systems, install flexible supply ducting and room outlets. Tuition is also provided on sound proofing, using controllers and thermostats, the integration of UV air purification technology and the use of dampers for multi-zone installations.
The classroom element includes the essential system sizing, balancing and heat loss calculations which are essential for successful installations. Training can include more basic H&V refresher information too. As a key element of the Unico training service provided, Matt Downes, Technical Sales Engineer at Bell Plumbing Supplies – Unico’s UK distribution partner – will accompany installers on their first customer job to advise, guide and assist with the installation as well as commission it.
“Whatever the technology, it is absolutely essential that standards of installation are maintained and we see this as key to the future of the industry. Customers must have confidence in what installers do for them. Add into the equation the changes in our climate, the need to get away from dependence on traditional solutions, and there’s no question that the market is changing dramatically. We are here to help installers deal with change and make the most of the opportunities that are emerging as a result. We believe that the better the training, the more successful they will become and be able to adapt to changing situations quickly,” concludes Matt.
Richard Soper CBE, UK Consultant for The Unico System: “Unico’s partnership with Elements Training and Assessment represents an excellent opportunity for installers to learn about Unico from the best in the industry. During 2023 we’re looking to strengthen our UK-wide network of Unico Service Providers (USPs). We think this new course, run by technical experts, will be a brilliant way for installers to expand the portfolio of technologies that they can offer their clients. Completing the course and becoming one of our valued USPs unlocks many benefits such as extended warranties, marketing resources and technical support from Unico.”