As part of a £1m investment training specialist HybridTec opens new ‘green academy’ to train more than 1,000 people as low emission heating systems engineers. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool training firm HybridTec has opened its new ‘green academy’ that will create a new city region army of low carbon heating system engineers.

As part of a £1m investment into upskilling tradespeople in the latest sustainable technologies, HybridTec has built the academy at its existing headquarters in Aintree.

In the first year alone it expects to welcome 140 apprentices and over 1,000 experienced heating engineers looking to upskill in the latest green technologies.

These include air source and ground source heat pumps, solar thermal hot water, and underfloor heating. Installation of such systems needs to accelerate if the Government is to hit its target of reaching net zero by 2050.

Measuring 27,000 sq ft, the green academy gives apprentices of all ages – including those starting out in the industry or those looking to upskill – the opportunity to join its advanced apprenticeship training schemes.

It also aims to assist the smooth transition to a more environmentally-friendly economy, helping workplaces meet the demand for green skilled workers. This will add to the 680 businesses HybridTec has already serviced with apprentices in the last 12 months.

HybridTec managing director Sophie Gilmore said: “We are firmly aligned with the ambitions of Mayor Rotheram and the Combined Authority in leading the way to achieving net zero by 2040.

“I am extremely proud that our innovative new green academy will contribute to the vital upskilling of tradespeople in the latest sustainable technologies across the region.

“The green academy demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the net zero agenda – and will prepare a future workforce for careers in the green economy, ensuring no one in our industry is left behind.”

In April LBN reported how HybridTec had won a £1m Government training contract to upskill heating engineers in air source heat pumps and low temperature heating systems. The training will be carried out across the UK.

Officially opening the green academy, city region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, said: “If trains, docks and canals made our area a leader in the first Industrial Revolution, then I believe our world-leading strengths and natural assets in wind, tidal and hydrogen can make us a leader in the Green Industrial Revolution.

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“I want to ensure we’re in the best position to attract the many thousands of green jobs and training opportunities it will bring.

“I’ve set our region the ambitious target to reach net zero by 2040 – at least a decade ahead of national government targets – and I believe we have the skills, capabilities, and political will, to smash that goal.”