The courses are run by The Energy Training Hub – a plumbing, gas, electrical and renewable energy training centre in the West Midlands, and takes place at CTC’s training facilities in Droitwich Spa. Funding for the training has been provided by the local authorities of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Those living within those five areas will be eligible to apply for free training,enabling local businesses to benefit from the growing renewables market.
The training is part of the wider ‘Skills for Climate Change’ programme, supported by the European Social Fund, and has been tailored to support the take up and attainment of the MCS, with both coursesproviding evidence of the competence requirements to meet MCS accreditation.
The biomass course demonstrates how to carry out feasibility studies, how to professionally advise clients on fuel type, storage options & system design, as well as the various grants available. It covers appliances up to 45kW, but the training is appropriate for the installation of appliances up to 100kW, including wood-burning stoves, log boilers, pellet appliances and chip boilers.
Those on the heat pump course will be taught the fundamental working principles, installation options and regulatory requirements for micro-renewable energy and water conservation technologies, as well as how to install, commission, handover, inspect, service and maintain heat pump systems.
Cliff Arnold, CTC’s general manager, said: “We provide sustainable energy solutions worldwide by developing new renewable products. The partnership with The Energy Training Hub will enables us to assist local businesses togain the skills to install biomass and heat pump products and help cut the UK’s dependency on fossil fuels.”
Brian Foreman, managing director of The Energy Training Hub, added: “It’s great to be involved in a partnership with a leading and local renewable manufacturer. The training will help many installers to get a good understanding of renewable technology.”