Margaret Major, Renewable Energy Installer, was present at last week’s official launch of the Medway-based academy and saw first hand the impressive new facility.
With capacity to train around 1,600 installers each year, the academy aims to not only support the required increase in installer numbers by equipping a new generation, but to also maintain and improve industry standards and upskill current professionals.
A unique responsibility
Speaking prior to the ribbon-cutting, Segen MD Spencer Conday thanked the efforts of the team and explained how Segen had canvassed customers and the technical team, in order to deliver on its ambition to open the ‘best academy’.
James Galloway, Global Product Director, added: “To achieve the national target of 70GW of solar deployment by 2035, the UK will require at least three times more qualified tradespeople.
“We have listened to our customers and so we are offering a combination of hands-on and classroom training. As well as the courses we offer today, we will offer courses that are important but not accredited – and we have a roadmap for further courses to be rolled out in the coming months.
“As the leading renewables distributor in the country, we recognise our unique responsibility to tackle this skills gap head-on. With the launch of the Segen Academy, we are committed to driving change in the renewable energy sector and equipping the next generation of installers for a sustainable future.”
Comprehensive training
The academy boasts a built-in training roof as well as a range of manufacture-supported, hands-on, solar, BESS and heat pump training booths. Courses will start in the new year, with an initial offering of 4 LCL Level 3 accreditations covering residential PV, battery storage and EV charging, and further expansion planned.
Beyond technical skills, the Academy will also offer training in finance, sales, and strategies for growing renewables businesses. This well-rounded curriculum aims to equip trainees with the tools they need for success within the industry.
Beneficial partnerships
Spencer acknowledged the unique opportunity Segen has to leverage manufacturer partnerships as he highlighted the benefits of being closely allied with the distribution business: “We have direct access to the latest technology in the market which we can offer to installers at the academy.”
Daniel White, Market Development Director for MCS , highlighted the benefits of these relationships, commenting: ‘Segen has leveraged its unique qualities of manufacturer partnerships and scale of reach to deliver professionalism.
“We have been encouraged by the focus on quality and the emphasis on building skills within the sector.”
Manufacturing partnerships are key to the success of the Segen Academy and key partners GivEnergy, JA Solar, FoxESS Co, Ltd, Solis and Tesla were among those present.
Alexa Thomas-Derrick, JA Solar, commented: “Having had a strong, long-term, strategic partnership, we are very pleased to see Segen enter the training realm and wish them much success.”
Prior to visiting the new academy, guests at the launch were given a tour of the UK’s biggest renewables facility – Segen’s 260,000 sq ft distribution warehouse, operated by Wincanton. Developments in distribution include a partnership with startup PostX to provide carbon zero deliveries using exclusively electric vehicles.
Senior Technical Product Manager Chris Fisher highlighted an exciting opportunity for installers: “An exclusive offer whereby course costs are reimbursed against system installs means that, for Segen customers, the training can, effectively, be free.”
And it was Chris who had the honour of wielding the scissors for the ribbon-cutting moment as Spencer handed over the responsibility, acknowledging the huge role Chris played in delivering the academy.
Following the opening of the new facility, with its combination of classroom and practical training, the feedback from installers present suggests Segen has succeeded in its ambitions.
“It was a great day at Segen’s grand opening of their academy,” Erik den Hollander of AES commented. “I really think it’s a great step in the right direction and look forward seeing the academy grow!”
Image credit: Margaret Major