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Are they an experienced training provider or are they just jumping on the ‘gravy train’ because renewable energy is becoming popular?

EcoSkies is now in its 5th year as the 1st training provider wholly dedicated to renewable energy installer training. Others were looking at “dabbling” in renewables, but we knew installers needed a hub that offered technical support, clear guidance based on experience, and a one-stop-shop for their training needs to get up-skilled and ready for gaining MCS Approval in a range of technologies. Solar PV training, for instance, was not popular at that time, but we believed that somebody needed to drive the market forward, developing training materials, experience, resources etc. and help installers find their feet.

Do they offer FREE TECHNICAL help once you complete your course or do they get you through the training course then close the door?

To the best of our knowledge, we are the UK’s only provider that offers LIFETIME FREE TECHNICAL support on the technology/course you attended. Why? Because unlike a lot of providers, the depth of our trainers’ knowledge is far greater than the material on the 2 or 3 day course that you attend. As an MCS Approved installation company, all of our trainers were and still are out “on the tools” regularly. We tend to cherry-pick tricky jobs so that they are constantly learning and developing new skills and techniques to pass on to you in the classroom and workshop.

Will the short courses offered be what you need to go for MCS Certification?

If you have an underlying skill-set such as electrical installation or heating engineering, the answer is YES, there will be at least one or two technologies you can up up-skill for. For instance, our 3 day Solar PV training course is mapped to National Occupation Standards and when combined with 1 day Work at Height course (which is mapped to ACWAHT syllabus – recognised by HSE) would be all the training and assessment certificates that a qualified electrician would require to meet the training record requirements of MIS 3002 Issue.2.0 – The MCS Solar PV Installer standard. We have trained over 1800 candidate on solar PV training courses alone and at least 450 contracting companies have used EcoSkies training to up-skill staff and get their MCS Approval.

Can EcoSkies really make me into a renewable energy installer?

In short: it depends. We will not turn a bus driver, IT consultant etc. etc. into a renewable energy installer, and any organisation that claims they can is probably merely making friends with your wallet. Sorry, but unfortunately it is back to college. There is no quick-fix or substitute for on the job experience and work-based qualifications (e.g. NVQ). We do however work with allied trades like roofing companies to up-skill their staff to carryout PART of a solar PV installation. See our Solar PV for Roofers course. But we are very clear that they need to partner (either directly or via written sub-contract) with a qualified electrician in order to cover all elements required for MCS.

Training courses are a big investment. What guarantees are there if things don’t go well during assessments that you get the support you need?

EcoSkies trainers are experienced professionals and know the best ways to share complex skills and knowledge in a compact space of time. They are also experienced in offering one-to-one support for candidates that need a bit of extra clarity on something they are struggling with. EcoSkies offer a unique GUARANTEE to all candidates that meet the entry requirements: if you do not pass your assessments on your course, you can come back free of charge as many times as it takes for you be successful. So don't worry - enjoy your training experience!

Training is a ‘necessary evil’ for a lot of firms, is this just going to be another sales pitch on products with a bit of information on how to fit it?

You’re here to learn, not to buy. And we don’t sell product anyway! As an independent renewable energy training provider, we use a range of different manufacturers' kit on the courses and have established possibly the best independent network of suppliers in the UK so you can get the best rates and the right products for every type of job you can think of. We only recommend products that we have used ourselves or have had a number of good reports from our ex-trainees.

Where can the renewable energy training courses take place?

EcoSkies have a network of five training centres around the UK, so 90% of the UK’s population is no more than 1.5 hours from one of our centres. We try to ensure our locations are easy to access from motorways or alternatively, public transport. Our original home is Chesterfield and our other 4 training centres at Crewe, Watford, Spennymoor and Surrey are ever-increasing the number and range of courses that they are able to operate. We also run courses at other locations from time to time and can occasionally deliver at your offices if you have a group. Have a look at the Timetable page to search for what’s on.