PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2026 16 TrainingUpdate


Training rigs designed to simulate the real world


A partnership between Good Energy and Wiltshire College & University Centre has established a new training facility at the Lackham Campus, forming part of a Green Skills Innovation Centre. It is designed to support practical training in the installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems within a controlled, real-world environment. A central feature of the facility is


a renovated Eco House, which has been adapted to allow trainees to work directly with installed technologies. This includes systems such as solar PV panels, air source heat pumps, battery storage and smart energy controls.


replicate site conditions, giving participants experience in system setup, performance monitoring and maintenance procedures. “This new facility will provide


people in Wiltshire and the surrounding area with the training and skills needed to take advantage of the thousands of well-paid, good jobs being delivered by the clean energy transition.” Iain Hatt, principal & chief


The layout enables learners to understand how these technologies are integrated within a domestic setting, including how they interact with building fabric and energy demand. The training environment also


incorporates dedicated teaching bays and a ground-level replica roof. The facility is designed to


Getting in the frame


Grant Westfield has partnered with Festool to produce installer training videos and host in-person sessions at Festool’s UK headquarters in Bury St Edmunds. The videos demonstrate practical, real-world installation scenarios for Grant Westfield’s Multipanel and Naturepanel bathroom wall panels, showing steps such as measuring, cutting, handling, fixing, joining panels and achieving clean finishes using Festool tools. Content produced through the partnership will support the launch of Grant Westfield’s new Installer Elite installer training platform, which is focused on building skills, sharing best practice and creating clear development pathways for both new and experienced installers. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/426/21


Video guides take a deep dive into boiler range


executive of Wiltshire College & University Centre, adds: “Our Green Skills Innovation Centre will help employers understand what is possible with today’s renewable technologies and to provide the skilled workforce required to deliver it. Partnering with Good Energy on the Eco House has been invaluable in ensuring it refl ects real industry needs. Together, we will help students and employers gain the confi dence and capability to seize the opportunities of the green transition.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/426/20


Improving standards in domestic ventilation


The Forth Valley College’s Skills Transition Centre (STC) in Falkirk has unveiled its latest upgraded purpose-built learning space, designed to deliver domestic ventilation training and prepare the workforce for the transition to more energy-effi cient homes. The BPEC-approved Domestic Ventilation Systems course will be


delivered at the new facility. The course has been developed for experienced electricians, plumbers, ventilation installers and other professionals looking to improve their knowledge and understanding of domestic ventilation systems. It aligns with current UK building regulations and industry standards, including the Scottish Technical Handbook – Domestic (Section 3: Environment, clause 3.14 Ventilation). Participants gain hands-on experience alongside theoretical learning,


covering areas such as airfl ow requirements, indoor air quality, system installation methods and best practice for commissioning ventilation systems. Successful completion provides learners with an industry- recognised BPEC competency qualifi cation for Domestic Ventilation Installers. The training combines practical demonstrations, installation


techniques and testing procedures to ensure learners can confi dently deliver high quality ventilation systems. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/426/22


Commercial heat pump design course


The CIBSE-approved training portfolio from Ideal Commercial Heating has been enhanced with the addition of a new CPD module focused on commercial heat pump system design and specifi cation. The training is aimed at professionals involved in heating system projects and addresses the practical requirements associated with installing commercial heat pump and hybrid systems. A central part of the module looks at installation factors that infl uence system performance and


A series of instructional videos has been launched by Vokèra, aimed at supporting installers working with its Synergy boiler range. The videos, hosted on the company’s offi cial YouTube channel, cover installation procedures, system setup and operational guidance, off ering practical support for engineers throughout the installation process. The series is presented by David


Iszchak (pictured), Vokèra’s technical trainer, providing accessible, on-demand guidance for both fi rst-time installations and routine servicing. The content demonstrates how to handle key


components, confi gure the boiler’s touchpad interface, and understand operational features such as electronic adaptive combustion controls. The Synergy range includes six


hybrid-ready models, with combi and system variants designed for commercial and domestic settings. Features include the stainless steel heat exchanger, low noise levels, and simplifi ed component access for servicing. The video series complements Vokèra’s broader support for installers, providing practical knowledge to improve effi ciency and reduce errors. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/426/24


Rising numbers for heat pump courses


Refl ecting a 20% increase from the previous year, Daikin has reported that 7,333 installers completed its heat pump training programmes in 2025. The training covers installation, commissioning, servicing and water regulations for Daikin Altherma systems. In addition, a new intensive bootcamp launched last


year has got off to an encouraging start with 71 heating professionals being trained to install heat pumps. The bootcamp, which is typically free, runs across Daikin’s regional network of training centres. Daniel Jackson, UK training manager, comments:


“Heat pump technology represents the future of home heating, and proper training is essential for both the installer success and customer satisfaction. There’s never been a better time to upskill. The government’s Heat Pump Training Grant helps to alleviate fi nancial barriers.


“We’re now accepting registrations for this year’s


heat pump training programmes and invite people to experience our industry-leading training facilities that play host to foundation heat pump installation courses, advanced system design and commissioning, intensive bootcamp programmes and specialist refrigerant handling certifi cation courses.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/426/25


reliability. This includes guidance on unit positioning, spacing requirements and mounting approaches, along with consideration of acoustic impact in plant areas and surrounding environments. The training also covers refrigerant types, defrost cycles and the need for appropriate protection of external pipework, all of which are relevant to installation planning and long-term operation. In addition, the module explains how system


design decisions aff ect installation outcomes, such as managing heat losses, determining heating loads and sizing thermal storage. Example system layouts are used to show how components may be arranged in practice. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/426/23


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