Squabbling continues in the pages of H&V News, on the extraordinary fiasco that has followed in the wake of the most recent Gas Safety Review. No one with the best interests of competence, safety and consumer protection could argue with the spirit of the changes but we have to sympathise with beleaguered training providers in re the crass way the changes have arrived. It is time in our view for the National Audit Office to investigate the chaos.

The latest revelation hinges on perhaps inevitable charges that loopholes exist. Fear not, the alleged loophole is anything but. The suggestion is that people could throw a double-six and short-cut the system by qualifying for oil-firing via OFTEC, the Oil Firing Technical Association. A simple step then into the world of gas ?

Don’t believe it. OFTEC are every bit as thorough as CORGI, so anyone successful under that heading, at a cost we are told of around £700.00p, will have earned a place on the ACS II ladder. CORGI have reminded everyone that some work experience on gas is still required.

The real problem, and here I have to sympathise with the training providers, is the peremptory manner of the changes, without any apparent thought for common sense. I’m not complaining for myself as none of this can affect me in any way. It is collegian spirit I feel towards training providers, who have had, as I perceive it, negligible opportunity to adapt to the changes. I assume a drought of students is inevitable while those with ACS ambitions clock up the necessary work experience required.

Herein lies a further problem. As an Installer and potential employer I can obtain Nil information on what work experience qualifies. Neither the quality nor the quantity. I have telephoned UKAS, Corgi and the City and Guilds but no information is forthcoming. We have hit a brick wall and the Minister of State for Work has not acknowledged a polite letter on the same subject. I may ask the Daily Mail if they have anyone working undercover in any of those noble institutions.

Answers to those questions would not resolve our reasonable concerns. As it stands (historically) anyone who is not a registered gas installer with Corgi cannot touch gas outside of a certified training establishment, in order to gain the necessary work experience. The current situation seems to be that trainees can work under one to one supervision on the basis of a nod and a wink.

Corgi simply say work experience is required but most carefully add no more. Try asking them yourself. Better still try getting something in writing.

Time we brought the National Audit Office in I believe to examine the bureaucratic carnage.