Chevron training.

Big Davey · 14-10-2013 8:54pm #1

I am considering a career change I have been in construction for 20 years and am handy with all trades was as nagger for 10 years. I would like to up skill to become either a "gas boiler service engineer" or an "oil boiler service engineer" I have looked around and chevron seem to be good what do you guys think ?
My understanding from reading their site is that if I do the introduction course and then the gas boiler course I can become a proper RGI installer courses are €800 and €1500 respectively. It seems if I can prove I have an aptitude for the oil boiler servicing I can go straight in a do the course ?
I am not interested in fitting boilers or oil tanks etc I just want to service them any advice would be appreciated.
PS: I noticed someone on groupon was offering a gas boiler service for approx €40 for 45 mins and inspection. My understanding is that a gas boiler service should take 60-90 mins is that correct.

JohnnieK · 14-10-2013 9:05pm

Big Davey wrote: »

I am considering a career change I have been in construction for 20 years and am handy with all trades was as nagger for 10 years. I would like to up skill to become either a "gas boiler service engineer" or an "oil boiler service engineer" I have looked around and chevron seem to be good what do you guys think ?
My understanding from reading their site is that if I do the introduction course and then the gas boiler course I can become a proper RGI installer courses are €800 and €1500 respectively. It seems if I can prove I have an aptitude for the oil boiler servicing I can go straight in a do the course ?
I am not interested in fitting boilers or oil tanks etc I just want to service them any advice would be appreciated.
PS: I noticed someone on groupon was offering a gas boiler service for approx €40 for 45 mins and inspection. My understanding is that a gas boiler service should take 60-90 mins is that correct.

I thought the CER came down on the training schools with regards to entry requirments, ie for the GIS and GID you need a FETAC trade cert in Plumbing, Sparks or Fitter.
The OFTEC is different, If you have none of the above there is a competency test before you can go on.

Before if you done the OFTEC you could do the GID through the back door but that route has been closed thankfully.

Big Davey · 14-10-2013 9:09pm

JohnnieK wrote: »

I thought the CER came down on the training schools with regards to entry requirments, ie for the GIS and GID you need a FETAC trade cert in Plumbing, Sparks or Fitter.
The OFTEC is different, If you have none of the above there is a competency test before you can go on.

Before if you done the OFTEC you could do the GID through the back door but that route has been closed thankfully.

What's oftec ?

Billy Bunting · 14-10-2013 9:10pm

Big Davey wrote: »

I am considering a career change I have been in construction for 20 years and am handy with all trades was as nagger for 10 years. I would like to up skill to become either a "gas boiler service engineer" or an "oil boiler service engineer" I have looked around and chevron seem to be good what do you guys think ?
My understanding from reading their site is that if I do the introduction course and then the gas boiler course I can become a proper RGI installer courses are €800 and €1500 respectively. It seems if I can prove I have an aptitude for the oil boiler servicing I can go straight in a do the course ?
I am not interested in fitting boilers or oil tanks etc I just want to service them any advice would be appreciated.
PS: I noticed someone on groupon was offering a gas boiler service for approx €40 for 45 mins and inspection. My understanding is that a gas boiler service should take 60-90 mins is that correct.

You will not be touching gas.

Do you realise what other expense you will have after completing an Oftec course and you will be inspected to be sure your competent.

Big Davey · 14-10-2013 9:40pm

Billy Bunting wrote: »

You will not be touching gas.

Do you realise what other expense you will have after completing an Oftec course and you will be inspected to be sure your competent.

Why will I not be touching gas ? I don't mind what expenses I have after completing an oftec I look at people I know putting 5k-10k into small businesses the money is not a problem and passing any course I am given is not a problem either. Are uk qualifications accepted here ? I might see what the uk has to offer.

Billy Bunting · 14-10-2013 9:46pm

Big Davey wrote: »

Why will I not be touching gas ? I don't mind what expenses I have after completing an oftec I look at people I know putting 5k-10k into small businesses the money is not a problem and passing any course I am given is not a problem either. Are uk qualifications accepted here ? I might see what the uk has to offer.

Johnnie already explained why you wont be touching gas.

As far as expences are concerned what i am saying is its not simply a case of doing the course and making a pile of money, there are a lot of expences involved and unless you end up being able and competent to do the job then your just throwing money away because you just wont progress.

Big Davey · 14-10-2013 10:02pm

Billy Bunting wrote: »

Johnnie already explained why you wont be touching gas.

As far as expences are concerned what i am saying is its not simply a case of doing the course and making a pile of money, there are a lot of expences involved and unless you end up being able and competent to do the job then your just throwing money away because you just wont progress.

Doing the job will not be a problem. I will look into fetac courses and have a look abroad also there has to be a way in without doing 4 years as a plumber or sparks. Most plumbers I have met have been donkeys so if that is what is being trusted to service boilers etc it doesn't say much. No offence. How long is the shortest fetac course lads or do you know ?
Thanks

agusta · 14-10-2013 10:05pm

Big Davey wrote: »

I am considering a career change I have been in construction for 20 years and am handy with all trades was as nagger for 10 years. I would like to up skill to become either a "gas boiler service engineer" or an "oil boiler service engineer" I have looked around and chevron seem to be good what do you guys think ?
My understanding from reading their site is that if I do the introduction course and then the gas boiler course I can become a proper RGI installer courses are €800 and €1500 respectively. It seems if I can prove I have an aptitude for the oil boiler servicing I can go straight in a do the course ?
I am not interested in fitting boilers or oil tanks etc I just want to service them any advice would be appreciated.
PS: I noticed someone on groupon was offering a gas boiler service for approx €40 for 45 mins and inspection. My understanding is that a gas boiler service should take 60-90 mins is that correct.

You could check out this website www.metac.ie or ring them on 057 8756540.The course your looking for is OFT50,OFT101,OFT105,OFT600a oil course.This course in metac is 10 days and its alot more detailed than cheveron with alot more hand on practical training on oil boilers.As far as i know with metac the door is still open to do the gas GID and GIS if you pass the oftec course.Its still advertised on their website that if you pass the oftec oil course you can go forward and do the gas courses.Its worth giving them a ring,they are very helpfull.

Big Davey · 14-10-2013 10:07pm

agusta wrote: »

You could check out this website www.metac.ie or ring them on 057 8756540.The course your looking for is OFT50,OFT101,OFT105,OFT600a oil course.This course in metac is 10 days and its alot more detailed than cheveron with alot more hand on practical training on oil boilers.As far as i know with metac the door is still open to do the gas GID and GIS if you pass the oftec course.Its still advertised on their website that if you pass the oftec oil course you can go forward and do the gas courses.Its worth giving them a ring,they are very helpfull.

Thank you very very much. I will contact them.

JohnnieK · 14-10-2013 10:11pm

agusta wrote: »

You could check out this website www.metac.ie or ring them on 057 8756540.The course your looking for is OFT50,OFT101,OFT105,OFT600a oil course.This course in metac is 10 days and its alot more detailed than cheveron with alot more hand on practical training on oil boilers.As far as i know with metac the door is still open to do the gas GID and GIS if you pass the oftec course.Its still advertised on their website that if you pass the oftec oil course you can go forward and do the gas courses.Its worth giving them a ring,they are very helpfull.

Well it shouldn't be, they would be in breach of the CER and will incur big fines.

JohnnieK · 14-10-2013 10:15pm

Big Davey wrote: »

Doing the job will not be a problem. I will look into fetac courses and have a look abroad also there has to be a way in without doing 4 years as a plumber or sparks. Most plumbers I have met have been donkeys so if that is what is being trusted to service boilers etc it doesn't say much. No offence. How long is the shortest fetac course lads or do you know ?
Thanks

There are all sorts of Donkeys out there, the problem lies with the regulation and inspection system.

FETAC certs are awaeded after succesfull completion of an apprenticship. (4 years)
I think there is a 12 month course availible in the UK.

Big Davey · 14-10-2013 10:21pm

JohnnieK wrote: »

Well it shouldn't be, they would be in breach of the CER and will incur big fines.

You are very keen not to let people into your "club" Johnny. I served a four year apprenticeship in painting and decorating got my city and guilds and craft certificates I wish now it was a different trade but that's life. Lots of people are now in Ireland working as carpenters, tillers, brickies, painters and served no apprenticeship is that fair ? I am looking to re skill myself and am prepared to pay from my own pocket to do so should I not get a chance in your opinion. Could you give me more info on the governing bodies or whatever it is that you keep quoting.
Thanks

shane0007 · 14-10-2013 10:31pm

You must have OFTEC & GIS completed & GID completed before 31st Dec 2013 to register before the new rules kick in with RGII/CER.

The last course that would have got you in has already been ran, so therefore the gas route has now been closed for non associated trades.

UK is a 6 month full time course & 6 month apprenticeship so 12 months in total. If you are a UK resident & qualify under their T & C's you can borrow the course costs & repay onc you commence working. You will be required to find a UK company to sponsor your apprenticeship there. The UK process is many times tougher than the Irish system but a more rewarding one.

Big Davey · 14-10-2013 10:33pm

Well fxxk it anyway.

shane0007 wrote: »

You must have OFTEC & GIS completed & GID

completed before 31st Dec 2013 to register before the new rules kick in with RGII/CER.

The last course that would have got you in has already been ran, so therefore the gas route has now been closed for non associated trades.

UK is a 6 month full time course & 6 month apprenticeship so 12 months in total. If you are a UK resident & qualify under their T & C's you can borrow the course costs & repay onc you commence working. You will be required to find a UK company to sponsor your apprenticeship there. The UK process is many times tougher than the Irish system but a more rewarding one.

JohnnieK · 14-10-2013 10:38pm

Big Davey wrote: »

You are very keen not to let people into your "club" Johnny. I served a four year apprenticeship in painting and decorating got my city and guilds and craft certificates I wish now it was a different trade but that's life. Lots of people are now in Ireland working as carpenters, tillers, brickies, painters and served no apprenticeship is that fair ? I am looking to re skill myself and am prepared to pay from my own pocket to do so should I not get a chance in your opinion. Could you give me more info on the governing bodies or whatever it is that you keep quoting.
Thanks

Unfortunately Davey it's not my club. The difference between your trade and mine is that there is at least some sort of a regulation in regards to gas in place.

I admire you actually for taking the plunge and upskilling and you seem to be prepared to do it right.
I'm just trying to put the facts in front of you.

Unfortunately there are a lot of chancers in my trade too who should not be allowed to turn there boiler on never mind service someone elses. You seem to want to put the effort in so I wouldn't put you in that category and I apologize if you thought I was hostile towards you.

The CER is the commision for energy regulation and they call the shots with RGII policing it for them.

As I said there is a course in the UK that is recognised here. A user called gary71 would know which one I'm talking about.

agusta · 14-10-2013 10:43pm

The other option is do the oftec oil course and if you just focus on oil boiler servicing.

Big Davey · 14-10-2013 10:46pm

Thanks I am sorry if I was snappy with you but after 20 years basically on my hands and knees I finally found something that I really fancy doing and it seems I can't now. I am still interested in the oil boiler course too so hopefully something might break there for me. Thanks for the advice very appreciated.

JohnnieK wrote: »

Unfortunately Davey it's not my club. The difference between your trade and mine is that there is at least some sort of a regulation in regards to gas in place.

I admire you actually for taking the plunge and upskilling and you seem to be prepared to do it right.
I'm just trying to put the facts in front of you.

Unfortunately there are a lot of chancers in my trade too who should not be allowed to turn there boiler on never mind service someone elses. You seem to want to put the effort in so I wouldn't put you in that category and I apologize if you thought I was hostile towards you.

The CER is the commision for energy regulation and they call the shots with RGII policing it for them.

As I said there is a course in the UK that is recognised here. A user called gary71 would know which one I'm talking about.

Billy Bunting · 14-10-2013 10:52pm

Big Davey wrote: »

Thanks I am sorry if I was snappy with you but after 20 years basically on my hands and knees I finally found something that I really fancy doing and it seems I can't now. I am still interested in the oil boiler course too so hopefully something might break there for me. Thanks for the advice very appreciated.

Plenty of room for a good oil service engineer willing to put in the effort, you will though still be on your hand and knees

Big Davey · 14-10-2013 10:53pm

Billy Bunting wrote: »

Plenty of room for a good oil service engineer willing to put in the effort, you will though still be on your hand and knees

Once your behind me I don't mind lol

JohnnieK · 14-10-2013 10:54pm

Best of luck for the future and deffinatly look into the OFTEC. There is still a lot of oil out there.

It's a very interesting course I done it myself and got my Blueflame but never registered with OFTEC.

JohnnieK · 14-10-2013 10:55pm

Big Davey wrote: »

Once your behind me I don't mind lol

I wouldn't bend down in front of him;)

Big Davey · 14-10-2013 10:56pm

Is the fitting of solid fuel stoves regulated at all ? I am just curious as a badly fitted stove could omit carbon monoxide the same as an oil or gas boiler. Just curious really.

Big Davey · 14-10-2013 10:58pm

Thanks to all who helped me out tonight very appreciated gonna catch some zzzzzzzzzzzzzz now.

shane0007 · 14-10-2013 10:58pm

Big Davey wrote: »

Once your behind me I don't mind lol

Not sure if Billy is that way inclined but then again, he has been seen dancing provatively with another man in speedos! He even posted the video of it.

Robbie.G · 14-10-2013 11:03pm

Big Davey wrote: »

Is the fitting of solid fuel stoves regulated at all ? I am just curious as a badly fitted stove could omit carbon monoxide the same as an oil or gas boiler. Just curious really.

There are courses available in stove fitting to hetas standard.Hetas is the uk regulatory body.
Check out oriel flues they run the courses

jimf · 14-10-2013 11:04pm

shane0007 wrote: »

Not sure if Billy is that way inclined but then again, he has been seen dancing provatively with another man in speedos! He even posted the video of it.

oh jaysus shane i was just about to have a big feckin slice of apple tart appetite gone for some reason :eek::eek::eek:

shane0007 · 14-10-2013 11:08pm

I been searching Boards for the video but unsuccessfully. I wanted to split my sides again!

Billy Bunting · 14-10-2013 11:15pm

jimf wrote: »

oh jaysus shane i was just about to have a big feckin slice of apple tart appetite gone for some reason :eek::eek::eek:

He's only sour because he has very little to get into a pair of speedos.

shane0007 · 14-10-2013 11:20pm

Hehe....
Found it.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Sq_-JV4OZ8

jimf · 14-10-2013 11:20pm

Billy Bunting wrote: »

He's only sour because he has very little to get into a pair of speedos.

i fcukin knew somebody was watching me from a distance

but the sad thing is your feckin spot on

Billy Bunting · 14-10-2013 11:23pm

shane0007 wrote: »

Hehe....
Found it.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Sq_-JV4OZ8[/QUOTE]

Doesnt Gary suit a tie. :pac:

jimf · 14-10-2013 11:23pm

shane0007 wrote: »

Hehe....
Found it.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Sq_-JV4OZ8

oh sweet jaysus please tell us there was drink involved

shane0007 · 14-10-2013 11:25pm

It's what happens when 2 gas engineers get together!

15-10-2013 8:58am

I'v have noticed when wearing said speedos that it's now associated with a lot of lady's screaming

and the covering of children's eyes:eek: but I like them:cool:

God have mercy on your souls if I put a real pic up.

Big Davey · 15-10-2013 10:45am

One final thing lads in your opinion would metac definitely be a better training course than chevron ? for the oil boiler course.
Thanks

crock! · 15-10-2013 10:55am

Big Davey wrote: »

One final thing lads in your opinion would metac definitely be a better training course than chevron ? for the oil boiler course.
Thanks

Go to metac its much better by a mile

Billy Bunting · 15-10-2013 1:38pm

Big Davey wrote: »

One final thing lads in your opinion would metac definitely be a better training course than chevron ? for the oil boiler course.
Thanks

How would you measure that, most lads only ever do one of them, i did the chevron, they have freebies

agusta · 15-10-2013 7:58pm

the chevron course is 5 days,the metac course is 10 days,you will get far more time in metac in the workshop working on different types of boilers

Dtp1979 · 15-10-2013 8:07pm

A guy rang me who trained in chevron a while back. He wanted to know what all the readings meant on his analyser

Billy Bunting · 15-10-2013 8:23pm

Dtp1979 wrote: »

A guy rang me who trained in chevron a while back. He wanted to know what all the readings meant on his analyser

Thankfully i didnt need to go anywhere for "training", it was just a matter of filling in the paperwork, their multiple choice is fun though.
IMHO, 5 days or 10, its just basics.

shane0007 · 15-10-2013 8:26pm

agusta wrote: »

the chevron course is 5 days,the metac course is 10 days,you will get far more time in metac in the workshop working on different types of boilers

To compete with Chevron, Metac brought out a 5 day course also but tbh you are just sitting doing exams with limited training. Day 1 training, days 2 - 4 12 exams & day 5 final assessment.

The 10 day is the beneficial course where you are handheld through all the stages of regs, servicing, analysing & fault finding on a daily basis.

The 5 day is really designed for the 5 year re-assessment candidates.

Big Davey · 15-10-2013 9:26pm

shane0007 wrote: »

To compete with Chevron, Metac brought out a 5 day course also but tbh you are just sitting doing exams with limited training. Day 1 training, days 2 - 4 12 exams & day 5 final assessment.

The 10 day is the beneficial course where you are handheld through all the stages of regs, servicing, analysing & fault finding on a daily basis.

The 5 day is really designed for the 5 year re-assessment candidates.

Are engineers re tested for a week every 5 years ? Or have I misunderstood this ?

Billy Bunting · 15-10-2013 9:51pm

Yep! and you pay for it.

shane0007 · 15-10-2013 10:36pm

Big Davey wrote: »

Are engineers re tested for a week every 5 years ? Or have I misunderstood this ?

The certification body "Blueflame" issues you with a certificate of competence upon successful completion of the course. This certification allows you to register with OFTEC & along with accepting to work under the terms & conditions of OFTEC, you are then a Register OFTEC Technician.
Your BlueFlame certificate is only valid for a period of 5 years, so you must re-pass all of your exams in order to maintain your OFTEC registration.

It maintains your level of understanding of the current regulations & industry standards & helps to iron out any weaknesses you might have.

scudo2 · 15-10-2013 11:26pm

Billy Bunting wrote: »

Plenty of room for a good oil service engineer willing to put in the effort, you will though still be on your hand and knees

F that.
Hope he's not in Cork !

scudo2 · 15-10-2013 11:32pm

I'm at oil for over 25 years and still learning.!

Ok Ok don't start taking the pisss.

Just pointing out you can't see everything on a 10 day cource and you should understand that.

shane0007 · 16-10-2013 7:43am

scudo2 wrote: »

Just pointing out you can't see everything on a 10 day cource and you should understand that.

True but I bet you would learn a lot more about what you don't know than you think on that same 10 day course!

Regulations & industry practices have also changed dramatically in 25 years.

Dtp1979 · 16-10-2013 9:41am

shane0007 wrote: »

True but I bet you would learn a lot more about what you don't know than you think on that same 10 day course!

Regulations & industry practices have also changed dramatically in 25 years.

Very true. I went into Metac thinking I'd do the 5 day option and fly through it. By the End of day one I'd upgraded to the full 10 day package

shane0007 · 16-10-2013 10:49am

IMHO the 5 day course is only suitable for the re-assessment candidates & many of those add in a few extra days also as everybody benefits from training.

scudo2 · 16-10-2013 11:04am

shane0007 wrote: »

True but I bet you would learn a lot more about what you don't know than you think on that same 10 day course!

Regulations & industry practices have also changed dramatically in 25 years.

True in that point.

A cource is to give a good basic understanding of the job and how to do it safely for yourself and your clients.
But its only a basic introduction. I perfer the UK cource of 6 months college 6 months on the job for people with no previous experence.

Our 10 day cources are only really appropate for somebody with previous heating experence already.

As OP pointed out.
For an investment of a few grand you can still get in the back door by doing OFTEC first and then gas.
Cheaper than buying a taxi.

I have good respect anybody entering the trade if they have pride and respect for the job and reconise the saftey aspect.

But some people do the cources thinking its a licence to print money. And don't give a dam for safety.
Let alone buy FGA !

shane0007 · 16-10-2013 11:27am

scudo2 wrote: »

A cource is to give a good basic understanding of the job and how to do it safely for yourself and your clients.
But its only a basic introduction. I perfer the UK cource of 6 months college 6 months on the job for people with no previous experence.

Our 10 day cources are only really appropate for somebody with previous heating experence already.

Not correct. That is for gas. The 10 day oil course is also 10 days in the UK. The courses are not just a basic understanding of the industry but an in depth look at the relevant regs & practices that the technician will come across on a day to day basis. They also give an in depth knowledge of how to find answers quickly within the mind field of regs, so the operative does not have to get confused trying to decipher the correct decision.

scudo2 wrote: »

As OP pointed out.
For an investment of a few grand you can still get in the back door by doing OFTEC first and then gas.

As I said previously that ship has already sailed. The OP cannot go that route anymore.

Chevron training.

Comments