Special Deals for Students

COLLEGE DEPARTMENTS

Plumbing

Construction

Maintenance

Electrical

Gas

Renewable Energy

LATEST NEWS

House builder Taylor Wimpey has seen ‘continued stability’ in the UK housing market since April, the firm announced today. Order books stand at £971 million up 73 per cent from its 2008 year end figure of £562 million, which the firm said ‘represents good progress in current market conditions’. In a trading statement to the stock exchange today the firm said: “We have been encouraged by the ongoing stability in the housing market, but remain cautious with regard to the prospects of the wider economy and in particular, the potential rising of unemployment. “We will retain focus our focus particularly on cost reduction until the profile of any recovery becomes clearer.” The firm said it would look to increase the number of outlet openings during the second half of the year if current market stability is sustained. It added: “Whilst we remain cautious on land buying, opportunities are starting to emerge to purchase good quality land at prices that should be value creating for Taylor Wimpey.” It currently operates from 337 outlets down slightly on 386 at the end of December 2008. Taylor Wimpey said: “We have strengthened our financial position significantly during the first half of 2009, having agreed the restructuring of our debt facilities and successfully completed our Placing and Open Offer to raise net proceeds of £510 million.” Taylor Wimpey said that stability in the US ‘gives cause for optimism’ but the Spanish market continues to be weak and its planned exit from the Gibraltar market remains on course.   The firm will announce its half year results for the six months ending 30 June 2009 on 5 August 2009. (c) Construction News Plus

Taylor Wimpey upbeat as housing market shows signs of stability

Plumbing - UK homes need more carbon monoxide alarms

Plumbing - Unskilled should not do DIY

Plumbers are forgotten link in water conservation

Contractor green demands to be ignored

Almost 900 construction workers at the Lindsey oil refinery in Lincolnshire have been sacked, after taking unofficial strike action. Last week, around 1,200 workers walked out in a dispute over 51 redundancies at a new plant they were constructing next to the existing site. The strikers claimed Total, which owns the refinery, had broken an agreement not to axe any jobs. However, the French company denies this claim, and said the cuts were necessary because part of the project had been completed. In a statement, the firm said: "Total can confirm, with regret, that our contractors have now started the process of ending the current employment contracts for their workforce on the HDS-3 construction project. "Total repeatedly sought to encourage the workforce to return to work so that proper negotiations can take place. "This is in line with the union and industry agreed process that negotiations over illegal strikes cannot commence until the workforce has returned to work." A protest group has gathered outside the Lindsey refinery, according to the BBC. A Unite spokesman said: "We are extremely concerned about the ramifications of the employers' actions. "We are urging all parties to get back around the negotiating table to resolve this situation." GMB general secretary Paul Kenney said: "Total have not tried to resolve this dispute, they sought to escalate it and they have sought to victimise people. "I'm appealing to Total to actually come to the table and help the unions resolve it." The unofficial strike at Lindsey had spread to several other plants: Drax and Eggborough in Yorkshire; Ratcliffe in Nottinghamshire; Saltend refinery, near Hull; BOC oxygen plant at Scunthorpe; Fiddlers Ferry in Cheshire; and Aberthaw in south Wales. Text messages are reportedly being sent to other workers around the country, encourage them to come out on strike in sympathy with the sacked workers, according to the BBC.

900 striking construction workers sacked by Total

88,000 new recruits needed each year to fill 'skills gap'

A former president of the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) has been made an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours list.

Special Deals for Students

Below are a range of products offered direct by the college. These learning materials will help your studies with us. If you are downloading an electronic version of the materials, please ensure you check your 'spam' filters on your email.

All the Questions and Answers from the CITB-ConstructionSkills Health and Safety Test (CD-Rom) (CD-ROM) This CD has all the Questions and Answers from the CITB-ConstructionSkills Health and Safety Test. Excellent training resource for all those about to sit their CSCS exam. Price £8.99	Tiling Complete: Expert Advice from Start to Finish (Taunton's Complete) Written with the DIYer in mind, this all-encompassing manual takes a head-on approach to every home tiling situation - except those best left for the pros. Loaded with photos and laid out in an intuitive, accessible format, Tiling Complete makes it a snap for even the most hesitant of novices to get the job done right the first time. The authors begin with a thoughtful introduction and move to tile styles and shapes, tools, preparation and installation, plus grouting, sealing and caulking. There is a complete project section and a stress-reducing chapter on Problems and Troubleshooting. Also included are tips on maintenance and repair so that the finished product will shine for years to come. Price £13.49	Plumbing Encyclopaedia This book is designed in encyclopaedic form to enable the student, plumber or heating engineer to select information quickly on specific aspects of their craft. The book includes over 1500 entries, with more than 370 illustrations, describing terms, components, working practices etc. used in the mechanical services industry, particularly in the field of plumbing. Price £15
3rd edition: Heating and Gas Installations This book provides a single volume text for NVQ plumbing and gas installation students at levels 2 and 3. It tackles the subject, topic by topic, in double page speads of text and illustrations so that the reader can grasp essentials quickly and easily. Price £21	Collins Complete Plumbing and Central Heating The definitive, easy-to-follow guide to plumbing and heating repairs in your home. An extension of the international bestselling Collins Complete DIY Manual, this brand-new edition is packed with user-friendly photos and is fully updated with the latest information about tools, products and regulations. Whether repairing a leaking tap or installing a new shower, Collins Complete Plumbing and Heating is the indispensable tool to help you get the job done well -- and keep costs to a minimum. Contents include: / Emergency repairs / Taps, sinks and kitchen appliances / Toilets, baths and showers / Boilers and radiators / Identifying faults and maintenance / Safety tips / Tools for the job Price £11	Plumbing NVQ & Technical Certificate Level 2 Student Book, 2nd edition A practical and highly visual resource for students produced in partnership with JTL, the leading training provider in electrical installation and plumbing. Additional exam style multiple-choice assessment questions on an accompanying CD provide extra support for revision and exam preparation. Straightforward language ensures that even the most technical concepts are accessible. End-of-unit knowledge tests enable students to track their progress. Includes a brand new chapter on employers rights and responsibilities. Price £25

QUICK LINKS

Funding Application

Request Callback

Directions

Call us on 0845 634 8712

PARTNERS

Stelrad

Shires Bathrooms

John Guest Push Fit

Polypipe

OSO Hot Water

Glow Worm

George Fisher Limited

Corus Steel Pipes

Santon Water Heating

i612.net, our Web Designers

DID YOU KNOW?

Unlike many other private training colleges, we offer the FULL 6129 Level 2 and we also able to put you through your City & Guilds NVQ Level 2. No Hidden costs, No Hidden extras.

We have sourced commercial finance to be able to offer interest free loans through ourselves.