The government's new 'Green Deal' scheme will open up huge business potential for the Fabrication and Installation Industries.

An estimated 10,000 Installers will be required to fulfil the Green Deal and other ECO initiatives by 2015.

Only an authorised Green Deal Installer can:

•Identify themself as a ‘Green Deal Installer'

•Display the Green Deal Quality Mark

•Install energy efficient doors and windows under the Green Deal finance mechanism

•Get paid directly by the Green Deal provider

So what's the deal?

UK households and businesses can have energy efficiency measures installed with 'no up-front costs' to help offset rising fuel costs. An assessment is carried out to calculate which energy saving measures are suitable for their home or business, and the resulting cost savings over time. The customer will receive a Green Deal plan which they can use to get quotes from registered Green Deal installers. The installer is paid on completion of the work by the Green Deal provider, leaving the customer to repay their debt through additional charges on their energy bills.

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James Platt from the DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) said: "We are on track to have the Green Deal framework in place by October 2012. Green Deal providers will be able to offer Green Deal plans to consumers and businesses from 28 January 2013 and we expect the number of offers available to build from there as more providers enter the market."

Getting on the Green Deal Register

Authorised Installers will be listed on the Green Deal Register. Becoming a Green Deal Installer is relatively straightforward, but subject to a robust quality assurance process. Installers and Surveyors must:

•Work for a Company that is a member of one of the recognised Competent Person’s Schemes such as BM Trada, Certass, FENSA, Network Veka or BSI.

•Demonstrate they have the skills and knowledge required to carry out the required work. This could be already proven if the individual holds a GQA qualification achieved within the timescale recognised under the Green Deal scheme.

Network Veka will be certifying Green Deal Installers, their Technical and Compliance Manager, Austin Greene said: "We need the confidence that our members are trained and qualified to the highest level. GQA qualifications and their Q Card not only give us the traceability we need but it can also give homeowners confidence that the installation company and its installers are among the best in the UK."

Mick Clayton, CEO of GQA Qualifications said: "Installers should get on the register as soon as possible. Our qualifications prove competency and are conveniently based around workplace assessments."

You can find your nearest provider at: www.gqaqualifications.com/approved-centres/