PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2025 16 Training Update


Transition to low-temp heating with BPEC


To help installers adapt to evolving regulations and energy efficiency standards in the UK heating market, Baxi is promoting BPEC’s low temperature heating course, designed to give heating engineers the knowledge needed to work successfully with low- temperature heating systems. Government backing for


low-temperature technologies has incentivised a greater uptake of heat pumps and hybrid systems, creating opportunities for trained installers in this arena. Integrated with Baxi’s Heat


Pump Installer (BHPI) course, the


new module takes on some of the design elements previously included in the BHPI programme, enhancing the learning experience. Through this latest addition to its training portfolio, Baxi aims to


Upgraded and CIBSE-approved


Stelrad has launched three newly upgraded and CIBSE- approved CPD courses on radiator heating systems, offering up-to-date, expert- led training tailored to current legislation and customer needs. Each one-hour training


session counts towards your annual CPD requirement and can be arranged for you on a one-to- one or group basis at your practice, either face-to-face or via Teams. The original three CPDs offered


have now been superseded by three new 1-hour courses: Space Heating with Radiators, Decarbonisation with Radiators and Low Surface Temperature Radiators – all


updated to meet CIBSE’s high technical standards, offering meaningful learning outcomes reflecting the latest legislation. They are designed to meet Stelrad’s evolving customer needs, ensuring that the content remains both relevant and impactful. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/27


provide installers with the tools to succeed in a changing heating landscape, supporting a smooth, informed transition to low-carbon technologies. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/25


Igniting


skills with new courses


The North Shields training facility operated by Ignite Gas Training has been expanded to include a new plumbing training facility, reflecting growing demand for skills in both traditional plumbing and renewable systems. Founded in 2016 by Brett and Emma Garrick, the company supports individuals and organisations across the spectrum, from small sole traders to large housing associations and local authorities. The centre features five dedicated training bays,


with the flexibility to accommodate additional set-ups for hands-on learning. Students will gain


Quarter century


celebration


Marking a quarter of a century since opening its first site in Burgess Hill, Steve Willis Training Centres is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 2000 by former


plumber and teacher Steve Willis, the company has grown into a leading provider of training in gas, plumbing, electrical and renewable technologies, with centres in Burgess Hill and Portchester. It currently trains around 500 apprentices across the South and South East of England, offering programmes in gas engineering, plumbing and electrical installation. In recent years, the training


provider has expanded into renewables, introducing courses such as air source heat pump installation. The company also operates a dedicated Gas End Point Assessment centre in Burgess Hill, developed with support from industry partners. Its apprenticeship delivery has been recognised with awards, with many learners achieving distinction grades. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/26


practical experience working with systems such as air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, and advanced plumbing technologies found in modern domestic homes. In response to growing


demand, Ignite Training has ramped up its intake of new apprentices. The centre recently signed up its largest cohort to date, with 40 apprentices currently undergoing training across various programmes, including green energy-focused


routes like air source heat pumps. With this growth, Ignite Training is planning


further expansions and is already in talks to offer additional apprenticeship programmes. In line with national trends, the company is also exploring new certifications such as the low-carbon heating technician apprenticeship. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/28


Join the open day As part of its commitment to tackling the skills shortage, Smart Gas is hosting an open day at its Ashbourne centre on Friday, 12th September. The taster session is aimed at newcomers considering an apprenticeship route – including teenagers who have just received their GCSE or A-Level results – as well as employers looking to upskill their workforce. The open day also gives


Investment in Ashbourne


Training provider Smart Gas has invested £50,000 in its Ashbourne centre, boosting capacity by over 40%. The project also increases the number of classrooms from three to five, refurbishes the gas training space and creates a new breakout area for learners. A new dedicated space for green energy has also been created for specialist air source heat pump training.


The work has increased Smart


Gas’s capacity for apprenticeship learners from 100 to 120 per month, and for commercial learners from 20 to 50 per month. The recent investment also


allows Smart Gas to launch a Managed Learning Programme (MLP) in gas engineering, a structured training pathway designed for individuals new to the industry.


employers the chance to connect with motivated learners and explore the recently revamped facilities. Anyone registering and attending will be entered into a prize draw to win a Milwaukee drill worth £299.99. Smart Gas was formed in 2016


and offers air source heat pump, gas, plumbing and heating training, including the Level 3 Gas Engineering Operative Apprenticeship and ACS Gas accreditations. To find out more about Smart


Gas or to sign up for a place on the Open Day, simply use the online reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/29


Drayton van takes to the road


A new mobile training van is set to embark on a nationwide tour of merchants to provide installers with the opportunity to learn more about the latest heating control solutions from Drayton. Visitors will also be invited to take part in competitions and other exciting initiatives. The purpose-built van will


offer training opportunities on the company’s wide range of products, including the best- selling Digistat range, valves range and Wiser smart heating controls. Installers can catch live product demonstrations from Drayton’s technical experts, who will be on hand to provide guidance on products, support with queries


and offer best-practice advice for industry professionals. Clare Weller, trade marketing


manager, comments: “We’re thrilled to have finally revealed Drayton’s brand-new training van, which will allow us to conveniently take our products and expertise directly to the door of merchants that provide our products to heating engineers. “By coming directly to them, it


provides installers with the ideal opportunity to get a thorough understanding about the range of high performing products Drayton has to offer, as well as seeing them in action first hand.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/30


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