With growing numbers of homeowners prioritising the safety and efficiency of their solid fuel installations, local demand for professional maintenance, servicing, and chimney sweeping has never been higher.

Combined with the career flexibility and entrepreneurial freedom that working for yourself brings, more career-changers have been completing the H011 Sweeping & Servicing Course, seizing the opportunity to capture an active clientele that are looking to keep safe and warm over winter.

Three recently trained HETAS registrants share their stories on how the H011 propelled their learning and allowed them to swap their desk job for a chimney sweeping kit and a newfound freedom.

Not sure what course is best for you? Find out your ideal path to HETAS registration and expand your skillset today.

Trading suits for soot

For Craig Barnes, the catalyst for change came when he hit a wall in his corporate career. “I worked a variety of office jobs and didn’t want to climb the corporate ladder”, he explains. This is an all-too-common reason behind many new registrants, where traditional career paths don’t fit them and they are looking for more autonomy over their professional lives.

Similarly, Greg Willcox decided to embrace soot-filled days after retiring from a long public service career. With a varied background – ranging from COVID testing roles to working in the travel industry – it’s clear that you don’t need a specialised, on-the-tools background to successfully transition your career. What’s most important is a willingness to learn and a dedication to our industry.

Adrian Hebbert switched from management in the charity sector to chimney sweeping and servicing, resonating with many other new registrants’ desires to get their hands dirty, learn practical skills, and directly interact with their own local customer base.

Why choose HETAS training?

All three recently registered candidates chose HETAS due to the brand’s reputation as an instantly recognisable industry leader.

HETAS Approved Training Centres offer flexibility and accessibility, right on your doorstep. Greg Willcox chose HETAS training thanks to the flexibility on offer, “HETAS had a better geographical spread of training centres and better availability of course dates.” No matter where you’re based, you’re never far from your local training centre – and you’ll be able to find a date that suits you if you’re working around a career transition.

Once you’ve completed your training, you are eligible to join the relevant HETAS scheme. This comes with many benefits, including our dedicated Technical Helpline, regular technical updates, and access to your associated scheme logo when advertising your services. Barnes commented that he chose HETAS for his training because “it’s a logo that people recognise more than others,” understanding that brand recognition from an industry-leading training provider will help build customer trust the moment he arrives at someone’s front door.

The H011 Sweep & Service Course is recognised by industry professionals as “a fully rounded experience when starting out,” making it ideal for anyone wanting to change their career – no matter your background.

The four-day comprehensive training covers everything you’ll need to get started. From flue draught testing and CO alarm positioning to health and safety protocols, the intensive format grants candidates the essential knowledge they need to tackle any chimney sweep or appliance servicing. Whether you have some prior knowledge of the industry or you’re a complete newcomer, you’ll leave your training after four days as a confident professional, ready to keep households in your area safe.

Industry-leading training, no matter the centre

Feedback from all three recently registered candidates commented on the quality of the facilities, training, and instructors at each centre they took the H011 course at.

Barnes trained at Kiwa Training Centre, based in Gloucestershire in the South West. The trainers at Kiwa having “real life experience” as opposed to just being “theoretical teachers” was praised and something that really stood out. With daily work being so focused on practical work, having “a good range of hands-on experience” is invaluable and prepared Barnes to start sweeping chimneys and servicing appliances in his local area. Kiwa was also praised by Willcox, where the comprehensive coverage of health and safety and building regulations, delivered by a trainer that knew the ins and outs of the industry really stood out.

Hebbert chose H Firkins & Sons for his training, whose training centre is based in Milton Keynes. A welcoming environment meant his “first day nerves quickly went” and he was able to dive headfirst into the training, making use of the extensive range of equipment available. The need for discussions and coursework of the more technical aspects of the job to balance out the “hands-on practical training” offered by H Firkins & Sons was particularly praised, with all pieces adding together for a comprehensive four days of training.

This hands-on, practical experience, high standard of facilities, and comprehensive training is available at all 15 training centres up and down the UK. Whether you’re based in the far reaches of Scotland or near sunny Devon, you’ll find HETAS training, delivered by experts near you.

Find your local training centre that runs the H011 Servicing and Sweeping Course and find out why candidates are so pleased with the training they received.

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Flexibility, variety, and customer connections

The big transition from traditional, office-based roles to on-the-tools self-employment comes with unique rewards and challenges. Flexibility is a key benefit that drew all three recent registrants to undertake training. Willcox enjoys “the flexibility of working hours and the earning potential that sweeping and maintaining stoves provides,” while also appreciating the important role he has in his local community in educating customers “how to efficiently use their appliances and limit their impact on the environment.”

Engaging work is emphasised by Barnes, where he commented that “no two days are largely the same and the variety of stoves I’m able to work on are vast.”

The human element beyond education is also such a large part of why Hebbert enjoys his new venture as a sweep and servicing technician: “Its the people I think, you get to meet lots, from the first call you get or walking through someone’s door”. He praised the training and the way it prepared him for his daily work, saying it feels great to give customers “the confidence that you know what you’re doing”.

Barnes emphasises the variety that keeps the work engaging: “No two days are largely the same and the variety of stoves I’m able to work on are vast.” The human element also proves rewarding – “The variety of people I speak to” ranks as his favourite aspect of the job.

Growth and repeat customers

These recent registrants shared their success stories, with Willcox – only on his second full year as a sweep and servicing technician – saying that he has already “collected and retained a good number of customers” with growth nearing capacity “a year quicker than I had planned/hoped for.”

Through a mix of “word of mouth recommendations and local advertising” and furthering his skillset by also undertaking installation by registering on the HETAS competent person scheme, Barnes has been overwhelmed by enquiries during heating season: “Don’t book any holiday between September to December, it’ll be mental busy.”

Practical advice

Researching your local market before taking the leap is crucial – the demand in your local area has to be there for your work to be completed. Barnes recommends talking to other sweeps in the area, commenting on the friendliness in the profession: “people are happy to lend advice if they’ve been there and have experience.”

Even if you feel there are a handful of other HETAS registrants in your area, they are working due to the high demand. Each business only has so many hours in the day, so there is always potential for a well-trained, eager candidate to ensure local households are kept safe and their appliances are well-maintained.

Willcox emphasises the importance of making realistic expectations; the career change is a big leap and you’ll need to remember “It takes time to build up a book of customers”. Repeat customers will come as you complete high-quality work, and you’ll only expand your skills as you take the time to “learn how to sweep and maintain the very wide variety of appliances on the market,” says Willcox.

Industry recognition and customer trust

Whether it’s through the HETAS registrant search or through word of mouth, it’s clear that the HETAS brand and its associated logos are valued by registrants – only adding to the already strong foundation that is built with comprehensive, practical training.

Registration with HETAS is credited with cementing both trust and customer acquisition: “I’m sure many customers found me and booked me because I was accredited with HETAS.” comments Willcox, recognising that comprehensive training that builds competence creates a foundation for sustainable business growth.

All three new registrants commented on how straightforward the registration process was for them, and how ongoing registrant support helps to instil professional practices from day one.

Looking forward

These success stories are three of many that highlight the freedom, flexibility, and success you can have when you switch your career and become a HETAS registrant.

Industry-leading training, ongoing support, and recognised certification helps propel your business – no matter your background. Learn more about the H011 Servicing & Sweeping Course and build a thriving business that contributes to cleaner, safer, and more efficient home heating solutions in your area.