PHAM NEWS | MAY 2025 18 Training Update


Scotland welcomes Expert Academy


In a move to provide Scottish installers with direct access to its Expert Academy programme, Ideal Heating has opened a new training facility in Dalgety Bay. The centre offers practical, hands-on training in both boiler technology and low-carbon heating systems, including heat pumps. The £250,000 investment includes a full refit and updated equipment, allowing installers to gain real- world experience using the latest training rigs and simulators. With a capacity to train up to


2,000 installers a year, the facility is positioned to serve central Scotland, with key cities such as Glasgow, Perth and Dundee within reach.


Dates added to the Healthy Heating System courses


Expert Academy courses are delivered by a team with over 300 years of combined industry experience, and are designed to support the industry’s transition to decarbonised heating. The Dalgety Bay site is Ideal’s first training centre in Scotland, joining a growing UK-wide network of


more than 30 locations offering in- person and on-demand learning. Feedback on Expert Academy training has been overwhelmingly positive. Last year, 94% of installers rated their experience as five out of five. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/525/21


SNIPEF training course on hydronics


The Hydronics Unlocked training course has been launched in Scotland by SNIPEF through a partnership with technical training provider Warmur. The course is designed to give plumbing and heating professionals in-depth, practical knowledge of hydronic heating systems, with a focus on low- temperature design, installation, and system optimisation. Participants will gain specialist skills in balancing systems, selecting components, and improving energy efficiency across both modern and traditional heating setups. Led by SNIPEF’s technical and skills manager, Scott Sanford, the course combines hands-on learning with technical theory to ensure attendees can apply best practices on site. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/525/22


Train the trainers sessions deliver latest knowledge


RPZ valve qualification opportunity


In response to new industry recommendations for Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valves, LCL Awards has launched a new RPZ Valve Commissioning, Inspection & Testing qualification, recognised by the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS). By means of a combination of check


The Pump School in-classroom training programme developed by Grundfos has been expanded. In partnership with Resideo and Fernox, the Pump School offers comprehensive training sessions designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals in the industry. Building on the success of previous sessions, the Pump School now includes new dates and locations to accommodate the growing demand for in-person training. The programme, ‘The Healthy Heating System’, provides participants with valuable insights into modern heating controls, pump systems, and maintenance solutions, all aimed at improving the efficiency and reliability of heating systems. New training dates and locations include: Reading (3rd June), Woking


(11th September and 13th November); Leighton Buzzard (18th June); and Warrington (18th September and 4th December). The sessions offer participants hands-on experience through practical demonstrations led by industry professionals. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including domestic heating systems, circulator sizing, pump maintenance, and emerging technologies. Each session is led by experienced instructors from the three partner organisations, ensuring that attendees receive current and in-depth knowledge tailored to real-world applications. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/525/23


and relief valves, an RPZ valve is designed to ensure the water downstream is at a lower pressure than the incoming supply. Published in January 2025, the


RPZ Approved Installation Method (AIM) now states that for an RPZ test report to be accepted as valid, on-site testing should only be carried out by a competent person who holds a current qualification. The competency of the individual must be re-assessed every five years. This qualification covers the requirements of the AIM, including


With the aim of providing lecturers up-to-date knowledge and technical insight, Baxi has delivered a series of ‘train the trainers’ sessions that focused on the design and optimisation of low temperature heating systems, in line with the UK’s shift towards low carbon heat.


Led by Baxi’s head of training solutions, Ian Trott, and training officer, Rachel Griffiths, the training sessions centred around driving maximum efficiency in heating systems. This is


particularly important as measures such as Part L of the Building


Regulations stipulate that systems should be designed for low flow temperatures to improve efficiency and lower emissions. The content also included explanations of technologies like weather compensation, smart controls and dynamic range rating to meet the tighter standards. The sessions were designed to provide lecturers with the insight they need to ensure the next generation of installers receive the training and skills they need to deliver low carbon heat into the future. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/525/25


Acquisition to expand reach in England


Realise Training Group has acquired Smart Gas Training and Assessment Centre in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, as part of its plans to expand gas and air source heat pump training across the East Midlands and beyond. Smart Gas was formed in 2016 by departing directors Patrick O’Sullivan and John Grocott and offers air source heat pump, gas, plumbing and heating training, including the Level 3 Gas Engineering Operative Apprenticeship course and ACS GAS accreditations. Gregg Scott, CEO of Realise Training Group, says the firm will invest to expand the current Ashbourne site. Realise has now taken over ownership of the training centre and is planning to use its resources as a


notification, installation, testing and commissioning, certification and reporting. It is designed for candidates with plumbing experience who hold a Water Regs UK recognised certificate in Water Regulations. The qualification will be available from LCL Awards approved centres throughout the UK.


For more information and to


find your nearest centre, visit: RPZ Valve Commissioning, Inspection & Testing – LCL Awards using the link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/525/24


(l-r) John Grocott, Gregg Scott and Patrick O’Sullivan


major training provider to help grow the Smart Gas offering to new and current engineers in multiple locations across the East Midlands and, in the long term, England. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/525/26


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