The Swedish clean technology company opened the hub in Crayford earlier this month to serve as its southern regional headquarters and UK training academy.
A total of 140 jobs have been established at the location, part of Aira’s ambition to create 8,000 new jobs in the UK over the next 10 years as it seeks to establish itself as the ‘UK’s heat pump market leader’.
The Aira Academy and hub will facilitate training for thousands of clean energy experts.
The 1300m2 facility is dedicated to delivering high-quality training for the Aira sales team, designers, installers, electricians and all those involved in heat pump installations, from London to the Midlands and Cornwall to Norfolk.
Earlier this year, Aira’s market research found that more than one in two Londoners (52%) said they are likely to install a heat pump in their home when renovating or replacing their heating system, showing a growing consumer interest in clean energy-tech solutions.
According to the Greater London Authority’s latest Energy Planning Monitoring Report, 88% of all proposed developments in the capital included heat pumps.
Aira’s new London base will be led by Georgia Laws, a former Ealing Council officer and international teacher who joined Aira to pursue her passion for helping homes reach net zero in an accessible, affordable and hassle-free way.
Training the next generation of heat pump installers
Georgia Laws, Crayford Aira Academy Manager, said: “The official opening of our Crayford Hub and Aira Academy shows our commitment to helping households across the South of England make the switch to cleaner, greener and more affordable heating.
“At our best-in-class facilities, we will focus on training individuals to become the next generation of heat pump installers and increasing the green skills workforce. The long-term goal is to offer people with no prior experience, or those at the start of their career, high-quality training so they too can join the Aira family and much-needed clean energy revolution.”
The academy was officially opened by the newly-elected MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, Daniel Francis. He said: “Aira will make a fantastic contribution to the local economy and community with sustainable and affordable heating solutions.
“It’s great to see them investing in the next generation of highly skilled clean energy professionals who will help to transition the region’s homes to low carbon heating. I look forward to following the hub’s growth and working closely with them to implement the Government’s Warm Homes Plan to upgrade British homes so they are cheaper to run and less exposed to the price shocks we have seen in recent years.”
Image credit: Aira.