OFTEC has launched a new series of free webinars for OFTEC registered technicians.
The webinars cover topics such as net zero policy, training funding and regulatory reform. The sessions also provide a forum for technicians to ask questions.
According to the trade association, the webinars come as part of its continued commitment to helping technicians navigate changes in the industry as the off-grid sector transitions to low carbon heating.
The first three webinars in the series have already been held. The first session, led by OFTEC’s Ireland manager David Blevings, focused on net zero policy in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The second session provided an update on OFTEC’s activity in Westminster to secure policy support for renewable liquid fuels. The webinar was led by OFTEC CEO Paul Rose, head of public affairs Malcolm Farrow, and John Weedon from Mitchell & Webber.
A statement said the panel outlined positive signals from the Labour government, which includes promises not to force people to ‘rip out their boiler’, but wider uncertainty over Labour’s plans. Paul, Malcolm and John discussed how renewable liquid fuels were the only viable option for rural households who would face significant costs and challenges if they had to switch to a heat pump.
In the most recent webinar, OFTEC hosted an ‘Ask us anything’ session on OFTEC’s Facebook group.
Following positive feedback, OFTEC said it is considering extending the programme to cover additional topics including registration benefits, with contributions from partner organisations.
Malcolm said: “We’re very pleased to be running webinars to support OFTEC technicians, both in their day to day work and helping them navigate the changes net zero will bring to our industry. We recognise how busy technicians are, particularly at this time of year, which is why we’re running these sessions online as part of a wider commitment to continually invest in the training and support we provide.
“As well as having a strong panel of experts from across the industry, we want the sessions to be fully interactive and provide a forum for technicians to ask the questions and shape the discussion. We look forward to sharing more details about our 2025 webinars in due course.
“Whilst there have been positive signals from Labour, there is still a lot of uncertainty over their plans for transitioning the off-grid sector onto low carbon heating, and the funding they will put in place for technicians to access training in new technologies.
“As an industry, it’s important we continually listen and feed into the government’s plans to help shape a positive future for homes and businesses living off the gas grid. Through our webinar programme, we will be providing regular updates to our technicians on the latest developments.”
Recordings of OFTEC’s webinars, which are available for OFTEC registered technicians, can be found at in the technician area of the OFTEC website and Facebook group.