Additional Information
DEDICATED to staff training and development Upnorth Group has announced that five of its engineers have become certified on the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS).
The WIAPS certificate ensures that plumbers are up to date with the latest policies surrounding the installation of water systems and coincides with the governmental drive to abolish ‘cowboy building’.
As part of its ongoing training scheme, Upnorth Group has employed eleven paid apprentices within the past eighteen months, as well as providing support schemes across all areas of the firm.
Stewart Grierson managing director of Upnorth Group said: “To provide a high-end service it is essential to have well trained and qualified staff which is why we focus on cultivating emerging talent within the industry.
“Upnorth Group has always been an enthusiastic supporter of training and development at all levels and we want to continue to increase the amount of placements and training we offer as the company grows.”
The Group, which was established in 2000, has leaped from 54 members of staff to 74 in the past year thanks to a number of substantial account wins.
He continued: “Investing in training shows that we comply with the standard of skills required to carry out the work and certificates such as the WIAPS means that our engineers are able to demonstrate to the customer that they are installing the systems properly.”
The WIAPS accreditation was funded through Upnorth Group and Catering Equipment Distribution Association (CEDA).
Craig Tarbitt, 43 from Gateshead, who has been an Upnorth Group engineer for two years, was one of the engineers to gain his WIAPS certificate. He said: “Under current regulations a plumber cannot conduct certain types of work without giving the water supplier prior notice – having the WIAPS certificate means we are not restricted by this.
“As part of WIAPS the local water authority is supplied with more information on our work and vice versa which is an extremely beneficial relationship for us to have.
“The scheme means that we are not only confident in our area of expertise but are up to date with any relevant training, something which Upnorth Group actively encourages.”
Blaydon-based Upnorth Group currently specialises in providing a wide range of services in refrigeration, air-conditioning, LZC heating, food service technologies and ventilation systems to the commercial industry and corporate societies across the UK.
Product and Services
Upnorth Response provide Service and Maintenance Solutions for Refrigeration, Catering Equipment and HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning). At Upnorth our engineers are trained to the highest level, this includes industry standard qualifications and manufacture training of all major brands.
Reactive Maintenance
Safety Maintenance Audit
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
