environment magazine

The Importance of high quality Training in entering the Renewable Industry.

By Libby Jones - MCS mentor for Easy MCS Ltd.

The Microgeneration  Certification Scheme (MCS) is a government led Scheme that monitors the running of businesses interested in installing renewable technologies such as Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Biomass and Heat Pumps.

As a result of the cash back incentives that customers can be eligible for if they get MCS approved products installed by MCS certified companies, installer training is the best and most effective way of proving competence in installing these technologies. Therefore it is vital to gain this training so that you can assure your customers of quality and the Scheme itself that you are capable of taking on the task of becoming an MCS certified company.

MCS is a mark of excellence and quality, and such a mark can only be gained by demonstrating the highest standard of expertise in the field into which you decide to enter. This does not necessarily mean knowing the industry inside out, but it certainly means that you can show, through your installation, that you have a good knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in the MCS Standards and that you are technically competent to be installing the technology.

Using training both in the quality requirements and the installation standards will also increase your knowledge of the industry as a whole, making it easier to expand into new areas, eventually being able to offer a wide range of renewable technologies. This puts you in a different league to competing companies in your local area. Knowing what is expected of you in an industry that is governed by such standards can only be heightened by the wide range of training courses made available to installers and salespeople alike. With courses ranging from 5 day installer training, to sales courses and even just awareness courses for administration staff, you can ensure that your customers receive a service that is second to none, with you being able to provide knowledge and guidance in all areas of the system they are thinking of installing. As customers will be looking to spend a considerable amount of money, they deserve to be given the most accurate and honest information.

The MCS is a carefully governed scheme with standards that are reasonably simple to achieve, despite rumours you may have heard to the contrary, providing that adequate training is sought and gained. The most effective way of ensuring that your company remains compliant with the demands set out by the Scheme is to get your installers trained up on the technical aspects of the technologies you are wishing to offer, as well as making sure that you understand the requirements of the paperwork. The way to do this is to get a Quality Management System that covers all 19 clauses of the MCS 001 (Installer Standard), and Easy MCS Ltd will take you through that process in a pain-free manner, ensuring your company meets all the requirements and ensuring that you remain meeting those requirements when you have your yearly audit.

Becoming MCS Accredited is by no means something that cannot be achieved, as we have dealt with companies of all sizes and formats, ranging from sole traders, through county councils and housing associations, even to large PLC’s operating nationwide such as British Gas. The High standards expected of MCS certified companies is by no means unreasonable, but should be used by companies across all industries to ensure the greatest customer care and satisfaction.

Being a training provider ourselves, we understand what is expected of you in this industry and we can help you achieve MCS certification much easier than it would be to try and go it alone, including the practical training courses. It is in no means an easy process if you tried to gain certification without proper training and advice. It would be difficult to adhere to the regulations without proper guidance, which is why it is most important to seek the consultation of industry experts and make sure that the money you spend in getting yourself to the stage where you can offer your customer cash back incentives has not been considered wasted, but wisely invested and ultimately the best thing you could do for your company.  

The demand for renewable technologies is growing at a great rate, and by seeking out the best training and gaining official qualifications in your chosen field, you can ensure that you don’t get left behind or fall foul to the rumours that becoming MCS certified is not accessible to you.