Thermoplastic piping components offer many benefits compared to metal. However, their installation requires a specific set of skills that are sometimes overlooked due to the traditional focus on metal in training courses. To address this, GF Piping Systems is establishing global quality standards for all its training programs and certifications, aligned with the official certification bodies. Programs are provided at any of the more than 30 training centers available in its network. The goal is to keep professional installers updated with the latest jointing technologies and installation methods in the countries where it operates, thereby closing the last gap of quality needed for any installation.
Standardization is central to the new approach and affects both methodology and certification. Courses will now consist of theoretical and practical components that allow students to first acquire knowledge and then put it into practice using the latest machines and tools. This training can be done in a traditional classroom setting on-site, or at the customers’ site. At the end of every training program, students receive a certificate that validates their skills in the market and aligns with systems such as Continuous Professional Development in the United States and Canada. This creates a standard compliant with ISO, IEC and other relevant standards.
GF Piping Systems’ global network of training centers is now operating at full speed, with up to 34 training locations equipped not only with the latest machines and tools necessary to install GF Piping Systems’ specialized polymer piping systems, but also with a team of experienced certified trainers to ensure knowledge has been properly transferred.
Dominik Scherer, Head of Global Sales Support and Academy at GF Piping Systems emphasizes the importance of know-how transfer for the company: “The market still needs to recognize that installers working with plastic pipes possess a differentiated set of skills. GF Piping Systems’ training centers offer customers a high quality training program that can be tailored to meet specific needs and enhances the quality of pipe installations across industries. This is supported by modern technologies and a certification program that provides an immersive, sustainable, and safe learning environment around the world.”
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