NEWS EXTRA
BAXI OPENS DOORS TO SOLUTIONS ACADEMY
Will McGill went to find out how Baxi plans to use its new Solutions Academy to close the skills gap.
IN SEPTEMBER, BOILER and heating solutions supplier Baxi opened the doors to its new Solutions Academy, at its UK headquarters in Warwick, with the aim of continuing to showcase the efforts it is taking to address the skills gap. Ian Trott, head of UK training solutions at Baxi, said: “Amid concerns that critical targets for heat decarbonisation will be missed, we designed our Solutions Academy to support customers through the energy transition by focusing on delivering solutions rather than just providing product training.
“From the outset, our aim has been to create a centre of excellence that will equip our customers with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver solutions for now and for the future in a great environment.”
The new facility aims to equip heating engineers with the right skills and knowledge to help customers decarbonise heat and hot water. At 10,000 sq ft, the facility is set to train 2,000 delegates by 2025.
Trott said the new academy will help to close the skill-gap within the industry by maintaining existing skills within the industry, while simultaneously encouraging people to see the newer technologies.
“When they understand that the skills they already have are transferable, we can help dispel any existing myths and fears surrounding the energy transition,” he says. “Rather than seeing it as a giant leap, we can show them that it is actually only a small step that they are more than capable of making.”
There is a range of skills and qualifications that attendees can gain, depending on their specific requirements or needs, Trott explained. “For example, an awareness course will provide counter staff with information on our full range of residential and commercial solutions that includes air source heat pumps, electric heating and hot water solutions and heat interface units. We also
provide accredited courses for qualification on unvented heating systems and air source heat pumps, which is the first step towards becoming MCS certified.” There will be bespoke training for merchants and counter staff that will make it easier for them to make the best choices when delivering solutions and advice to their customers. Trott says that merchants wanting to arrange a training session, just need to contact their key account manager. He said: “We offer a plethora of tools to support our customers, from assistance with quotes for new build to a technical helpline for on-site queries to skilled engineers across the country. Baxi Heat Pump Installers also have access to the Carno app which
provides support on correct sizing and to Abode which takes them through the whole MCS process.” In terms of training platforms, the company offers both e-learning and face-to-face training, enabling installers to access live virtual training and pre-learning, as well as being able to extend their in-person training with follow up out-of-class sessions delivered to enrich their overall learning experience. “ As most of our merchant courses are bespoke, delivering on specific requirements, it is difficult to put an ROI figure on this, but we know that the more expertise we deliver, the better the service that merchants can provide to their customers – and the more profitable the outcome.” Trott added: “Merchants are an important part of the energy transition, linking manufacturers with installers. Training is a vital element, helping merchants and installers to grow in confidence in renewable technologies which will in turn help accelerate the move to low carbon heat. Our Solutions Academy will enable us to triple capacity by 2025, giving more people than ever the opportunity to test our products and solutions as part of their career development, and helping us move closer to our 2050 net zero target.” BMJ
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www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net November 2024
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