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Omega Energy Services has grown from a small electrical business into a retrofit company helping homes across Scotland become warmer and more energy efficient.
Based in Bellshill, the business has strengthened its reputation as a whole-house retrofit expert. It has done this by expanding its workforce and gaining sought after, recognised qualifications for its team of installers.
We spoke to company directors Stephen Bain and Stephen McCann about why they chose the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) route to certification. They also talked about how the process has supported the business, its installers and its long-term plans.
Growing from electrical work into retrofit
Omega Energy Services was founded by Stephen Bain in 2007. The company started as an electrical contractor and has since expanded into a wider energy services business with around 35 employees.
Today, the business helps make homes across Scotland warmer and more energy efficient by delivering:
- electrical work
- renewable technologies
- insulation
- other low carbon home improvements
This wide offering helps Omega Energy Services’ customers access joined-up support to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of their homes.
Stephen McCann explained:
“We wanted to offer more of a whole-house approach and become more attractive to our clients.”
Recognising existing skills
As the company expanded its insulation services, it brought experienced internal wall insulation installers into the team. While they already had years of practical experience, they didn’t have the formal qualifications that are increasingly needed across retrofit programmes and public sector frameworks.
The Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) in Insulation and Building Treatments gave them a way to gain formal recognition for that experience.
About the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment
EWPA provides skilled workers with a route to achieve a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Insulation and Building Treatments. The assessment takes place in person over 12 hours and is perfect for experienced tradespeople with at least five years’ experience in the trade.
Designed for people who already have the required skills, the EWPA route lets installers demonstrate their competence through an assessment rather than attending training.
Stephen McCann said:
“These guys could do the job. They’ve been doing it for years. They just never had the paperwork that said they could do it.”
The installers completed their assessment through the Verdancy Group.
A manageable route for a busy business
For a busy retrofit business, taking time out to attend formal training courses is costly.
The focused, short format of EWPA gave Omega Energy Services a route for to certify the skills of its workforce with minimal disruption.
Stephen McCann said:
“The length of the assessment is very important. There’s no revenue when they’re away. If it were to take two weeks there’d be resistance, but two days is manageable.”
Investing in the team
Omega Energy Services chose to fund the training and support its team of installers through the process. The business sees see it as an investment in its people and the long-term growth.
Stephen Bain said:
“We decided to support the guys from the outset. You’ll get more out of people if you invest in them.”
Staff welcomed the chance to gain formal recognition for their skills and valued the support from Omega Energy Services and the training provider.
From a business perspective, customers and partners now have increased confidence that Omega Energy Services’ installers meet recognised standards.
Preparing for future demand
As demand for suppliers of retrofit services grows, recognised skills are becoming more important. Certification helps businesses demonstrates their quality and give customers confidence. It also ensures the requirements of nationwide funding schemes, such as the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan, can be met.
For Omega Energy Services, EWPA has helped align experienced workers’ practical skills with the formal expectations of the sector.
Stephen McCann said:
“It professionalises the industry. You’ve got experienced people who know how to do the work, and this gives them a recognised qualification to demonstrate that.”
The business plans to continue investing in training and workforce development as its retrofit services grow.
Support for your workforce
For businesses considering insulation and building treatments, Omega Energy Services’ experience shows how experienced workers can gain recognised qualifications without spending long periods away from projects.
By investing in the right training, employers can retain valuable expertise, strengthen their workforce and help deliver warmer, more energy-efficient homes.
Looking to expand into insulation installation? Use our insulation toolkit to learn what’s required and how to access support.
For more support, contact our team at [email protected].