Big bash in Burgess Hill for graduating apprentice class

Recognising the importance of training the next generation of plumbing and heating engineers, Grant UK has welcomed students from New College Swindon to its Training Academy in Wiltshire to learn about air source heat pumps, combining theory with hands-on training. The New College Swindon campus, which is situated only four miles from Grant UK’s headquarters, is striving to support its plumbing, heating and engineering students by providing them with the opportunities to learn more about the low carbon technologies that are going to play a major part in the future of home heating. The College is planning to add heat pump products to its own training facilities and has partnered with Grant UK to deliver heat pump training sessions at its Training Academy.

The training session, attended by some of New College Swindon’s students at the beginning of June, was the first such visit that the College and Grant UK hope will be repeated with other students in the future. During their visit, the students completed a two-hour learning session with Steve Ellison, Grant UK’s assistant training manager, who delivered both theory and practical training. The theory session included an introduction to air source heat pumps and how they work, as well as taking a look at the wider system considerations when it comes to installing heat pumps. The students were also able to get their hands on product as well, seeing working heat pump units in action as part of the practical element of the training.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/723/17

Grease is the word for updated course

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has updated the Grease Hygiene training courses covering professional standards in the ventilation hygiene sector.

The revised courses will be delivered through BESA approved training centres across the UK and are designed to help contractors comply with the industry’s specification TR19 Grease (for kitchen extract systems).

The new courses meet a growing need for training and testing focused specifically on grease hygiene operatives (GHO3) who carry out the cleaning of kitchen extract systems. They also provide training for higher-level grease hygiene technicians (GHT3) who create risk assessments/method statements, carry out cleanliness testing/reporting, and mark out/ install extra access panels where required.

“With the fire risks posed by poorly cleaned and maintained ventilation systems, there is a clear need for training that covers the very latest technical information and skills so ventilation hygiene specialists can provide evidence of compliance with all the key standards,” says BESA director of training and skills, Helen Yeulet.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/723/18

Apprentices, employers and staff came recently together at Steve Willis Training’s Burgess Hill campus to celebrate the success of 54 apprentice graduates who have completed their apprenticeships as Gas Engineering Operatives or Level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electricians.

A host of industry and local representatives joined the gathering, with Rebecca Hollamby and Rob Mallender from City & Guilds commending Steve Willis Training Centres for its continued quality training and apprenticeship support, and sponsored the Stella Willis Award. John Carter presented the Burgess Hill District Lions Award; Nigel Birch presented the Electrical Apprentice of the Year 2023, sponsored by Contactum, and Worcester Bosch sponsored the Gas Apprentice of the Year.

◼ phamnews.co.uk/723/19