Ideal Heating is on the cusp of inaugurating its fifth Expert Academy training center, a state-of-the-art establishment located in Portishead, near Bristol.
This facility, established in collaboration with James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies, aims to furnish heating engineers and installers throughout the South West with essential training and practical experience.
Strategic Location for Easy Access
Strategically positioned near the M5, this new site affords convenient access for professionals traveling from Cardiff, Worcester, Reading, and Exeter.
The location makes it easier than ever for installers to enhance their skills in low-carbon heating technologies without extensive travel.
Comprehensive Heat Pump Training Courses
The Portishead center will offer a wide array of courses, including nationally recognized qualifications
The Portishead center will offer a wide array of courses, including nationally recognized qualifications in air source heat pumps and hydronic system design, along with domestic product training on the latest Ideal Heating solutions.
To aid the industry's shift towards renewable technologies, many courses will be subsidized or offered free, equipping more installers with the talents essential for the UK’s transition to Net Zero.
Real-World Learning Environment
The facility is crafted for real-world learning, featuring fully functional heat pump systems and thermodynamic training rigs.
Trainees will have the opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge equipment within a modern, professional environment, demonstrating Ideal Heating's commitment to fostering installer proficiency and confidence.
Expanding Training Opportunities
The facility is crafted for real-world learning, featuring fully active heat pump systems and training rigs
Andrew Johnson, Training and Design Services Director at Ideal Heating, expressed excitement about the new development, stating: "We’re delighted to be opening our fifth Expert Academy, and especially proud to be doing so in partnership with James Hargreaves."
He adds, "This fantastic new facility will make it easier for heating professionals across the South West to access our award-winning training and build their knowledge in low-carbon technologies."
Expert Academy Network Expansion
Martin Healy, National Branch Director at James Hargreaves Ltd, stated: "We’re proud to be partnering with Ideal Heating to bring the new Expert Academy center to life. Training and supporting installers is so important, and this facility takes that to the next level. It’s fantastic to see such a modern, hands-on space that will help local engineers build their confidence with heat pumps and low-carbon technologies."
Ideal Heating’s Expert Academy network has now become one of the largest heat pump training initiatives in the UK, boasting over 30 locations nationwide, encompassing flagship centers in Hull, Leeds, Luton, and Scotland, along with 25 satellite sites.
Collectively, they endow installers with the prowess and assurance needed to execute high-quality, low-carbon installations across the nation. The Portishead center is scheduled to open in late November 2025, with courses commencing soon after.
