The establishment of the state-of-the-art training centre recognises the changing face of the building industry with many new products and practices now accepted under the latest water regulations. Geberit is at the forefront of these developments with their above ground drainage systems with HDPE pipework as well as with their Geberit flushing systems.

The new regulations take into account technological developments and have now lifted the outdated restrictions, the overall aim being to promote water saving. Today’s plumbers and builders must be receptive to these changes as those who embrace the latest techniques will be the ones who make a better living in a climate where competition is strong and margins eroding. The tradesman can often buy as cheaply in a DIY shed as from the traditional merchant and of course this allows the end-consumer access to the same products at very competitive prices. The DIY sheds are also very often the first to take on board new technology.

Today’s plumber must be aware of developments and welcome the best whilst rejecting the less useful or the gimmicks aimed at the DIY pound.

Training is a valuable asset to installers and plumbers, showing them the best way to learn about new products, techniques and practices rather than gaining the knowledge the hard way – on your own and learning by mistakes which can be costly as well as frustrating. Training gets the go-ahead plumber into the new technology quickly and confidently and these advances do save time and effort, helping to increase margins in a highly competitive marketplace.

Time spent training is NOT time lost, it is knowledge gained which delivers benefits over a long term. You benefit from the collective knowledge and wisdom of others and learn the most efficient and effective way to use and install these new products and about the products themselves. Training ensures jobs are completed more quickly to a higher standard and with less wastage or callbacks.

Geberit’s new showroom and training centre at Aylesford is our commitment to the development of the professionals. The centrepiece of the showroom is a unique hydraulic tower which includes the complete range of Geberit products from floor to ceiling. All are fully working with a network of see-through pipes to show exactly how systems react to differing conditions. The tower demonstrates the total Geberit product range from the Pluvia syphonic roof drainage system, Geberit HDPE and Mepla pipework, Geberit drainage systems and Duofix installation systems to provide the complete plumbing solution. In addition to Geberit products, the tower demonstrates correct and incorrect plumbing practices.

Most manufacturers run training courses ranging from basic product information which the installer may feel falls short on new knowledge, to comprehensive courses which are practically based, giving the installer hands-on experience, and some are also recognised as offering official qualifications.

Busy installers should make sure the courses they are planning to attend will actually deliver as your time is precious. The plumbing and building industry has suffered from a poor reputation because of the occasional cowboy. Training is the way forward to improving this reputation because it ensures the professionals are fully up to date with the latest technology and practices and are seen by their customers to have this knowledge. To this end, Geberit offers CPD, drainage design and product familiarisation courses. And happy customers means more work with increased margins so that you can make a better living

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