PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2026 16 Training Update


Digital tool simplifies training pathways


Mitsubishi Electric has introduced TrainME, a digital tool designed to help installers navigate the training and qualification pathways of heat pump installation. The tool provides structured guidance tailored to an individual’s existing experience and career objectives. Users complete a short assessment and receive a personalised report outlining recommended courses and qualifications, including routes toward MCS accreditation. TrainME also links directly to Mitsubishi Electric’s online training calendar, enabling users to view and book relevant courses. The tool supports both new entrants and experienced professionals seeking to upskill. “As demand for heat pumps


grows, it’s vital that installers have access to clear, high-quality training pathways,” says James Chaplen, Mitsubishi’s head of product marketing and communications. “TrainME has been developed to remove complexity and give professionals confidence in the steps they need to take. By combining personalised guidance with access to nationally recognised LCL courses and Ecodan training, we’re supporting higher standards and helping to build a skilled workforce.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/226/14


New facility added in East Midlands


With the recent acquisition of the Nottingham-based Energy Training Centre, Smart Energy Training now operates three centres in the East Midlands – in Ashbourne, Lutterworth and Nottingham. In the coming months, the


modern, fully equipped centre on Whitemoor Court will start offering domestic gas courses, air source heat pump training and apprenticeship programmes alongside its existing domestic and commercial gas qualifications. Gregg Scott, CEO of Smart Energy


Training, comments: “We are delighted to have completed this exciting acquisition of Energy Training Centre, a well-respected, fully equipped facility in an excellent location. We have further plans for expansion as we help to ensure the nation has the skilled engineers to


Orpington operation


Apprenticeship provider JTL has officially opened its newly refurbished ‘London South’ training centre in Orpington, following a £1m investment to expand high-quality electrical, plumbing and heating training across London and Kent. The investment has


transformed the Orpington site into a modern, industry- led training facility, with a strong focus on plumbing, heating and low-carbon technologies. The centre features fully equipped plumbing and electrical training bays, providing


industry-standard equipment, including heat pumps, solar thermal systems and energy efficiency technologies. The centre supports


apprentices from across London and Kent and aligns closely with regional skills


priorities in construction and retrofit. The refurbished London


South training centre is now fully operational and welcoming apprentices, employers and partners from across the region. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/226/19


cope with the transition to greener energy. “Existing learners and all


re-assessment courses will remain on their current programme and, by becoming part of a larger organisation, they will now have access to increased resources, broader expertise and enhanced support.” Since launching in 2016, Smart


Energy Training, previously known as Smart Gas, has trained over 1,500 engineers, including nearly 300 apprentices. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/226/16


Raising the bar for HVAC training


To enhance HVAC training opportunities in the North of England, Daikin has opened a new Manchester Training Academy. The facility is designed to provide comprehensive training for both new and experienced heat pump installers, offering practical experience with the latest Daikin technology. The academy features three modern


training rooms, each fully equipped with systems that participants will encounter on real-world installations. This allows trainees to gain direct experience and confidence in handling professional-grade equipment before stepping onto a live job site. A unique feature is a realistic house frontage, complete with a living room and airing cupboard, featuring a fully operational heating and cooling system. This setup enables participants to practice


CPD focus on overheating


Vent-Axia has launched a new CIBSE-approved CPD course, 'Overheating in Residential Properties: Part O', aimed at professionals seeking to understand and mitigate overheating in modern homes. The course covers the causes of overheating, relevant legislation, and practical ventilation strategies, including natural ventilation, mechanical extract, and MVHR systems with summer bypass or integrated cooling. Participants learn how to apply ventilation solutions to improve comfort and occupant health, while complying with Part O of the Building Regulations. The CPD also explores combined MVHR and heat pump systems, helping futureproof homes against rising temperatures and climate change. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/226/17


installations in a domestic environment, mirroring the conditions they will face in the field. In addition to traditional training, the


academy includes a virtual reality zone and a wall of interactive controls, offering innovative learning methods to complement practical instruction. The facility has been designed to ensure


trainees develop both the technical skills and real-world confidence they will need to work efficiently and effectively as heat pump and HVAC installers. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/226/15


Free upskilling in Scotland


Scottish heating engineers will now be able to benefit from free air source heat pump training, following the opening of a new Renewables Centre in Dalgety Bay, Scotland. Based at Ideal Heating’s training facility, the centre will offer training to support installers looking to enter or expand within the renewables sector. Since the launch last April, there have been over 300 installers who have benefitted from free training with Renewables Centre, with many of them making use of the Heat Training Grant which covers up to £500 towards air source heat pump training. While this grant is only currently available to installers in England, Renewables Centre are also offering this training for free in Scotland so that Scottish installers can upskill at no extra cost. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/226/18


Expert Academy opens in Portishead


Ideal Heating has opened its fifth Expert Academy training centre, a purpose-built facility in Portishead, near Bristol. Developed in partnership with James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies, the new centre brings industry-leading training and hands-on experience to heating engineers and installers across the South West. Conveniently located just off the M5, the site offers easy access for installers travelling from


Cardiff, Worcester, Reading and Exeter, making it simpler than ever to upskill in low-carbon heating technologies without travelling long distances. The Portishead centre delivers a


comprehensive range of courses, from nationally recognised qualifications in air source heat pumps and hydronic system design, to domestic product training on Ideal Heating’s latest solutions. To support the industry’s transition to renewable technologies, many of the courses will be subsidised or fully funded, helping more installers gain the skills needed for the UK’s journey to Net Zero. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/226/20


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