Where can I get training to be a chimney sweep?
I keep being asked "where can I get trained to be a chimney sweep apart from going out with an experienced and trained sweep?" (which is really one of the best options).
Here is a list of all the training that is available at the moment in the UK.
Firstly, there is the HETAS solid fuel awareness course, this course doesn't teach you about sweeping but it goes through all the regulations and some basic problem solving to go with solid fuel, contact HETAS for details.
Secondly, NACS run a two day training course with sweeping techniques, equipment that is required and I believe you also get to go out with an experienced sweep.
Thirdly, The Guild of Master Sweeps (GMS) also run a two day course, similar to NACS. Both the NACS and GMS courses cost over a thousand pounds!
Fourthly, we have The Institute of Chimney Sweeps (ICS) who run a one day familiarisation course, which gives you the basic knowledge and equipment required for chimney sweeping. But the ICS also strongely recommend you also go out with an experienced sweep.
Finally, we have The Association of Proffesional Independant Chimney Sweeps (APICS). Although APICS do not run a training school, they do offer a mentoring scheme, and to join APICS you have to be assessed by three examiners and if you pass and also hold the HETAS qualification you can become a HETAS approved sweep.
Trade Shows
Although I'm not a member of NACS I feel I should remind people that the next NACS trade show, Chimney Works 2010, takes place on 16th/17th April 2010 at the Barcelo Hinckley Island Hotel, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 3JA. I strongly recommend you attend as all the main exhibitors connected to the chimney industry will be there.
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Training with me
Over the last six months or so I've had many enquiries about taking someone out with me for training purposes. Unfortunately this is something I don't do mainly because I've had over thirty years training fireman and I just want to trundle round in my little van now without the hassle or worry about a trainee.
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Training
A couple of weeks ago I completed and passed the NACS Smoke Testing course. It's nice to see that NACS have opened up their training facility to non-members and I can only say that it was a very well-formatted and worthwhile course to take. I strongly recommend it to NACS members or non-members.
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More information needed
If any sweeps out there can give any input on cleaning methods or equipment feel free to post your comments or contact me by phone. We all need to push the chimney sweeping industry finally into the 21st century.
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