Heating giant unveils strategic partnership with college

Heating technology giant Vaillant has unveiled a new strategic partnership with Derby College Group to provide the skills needed to support the decarbonisation of the sector.

Working with the college, the firm, which is due to open a heat pump manufacturing facility at Indurent Park Derby next year, has developed a blended apprenticeship training programme for those leaving school, as well as mature students.

Through the partnership, a wide range of skills needed for a career in the heating industry will be delivered.

Henrik Hansen, managing director at Vaillant Group (UK and Ireland), said: “There are many opportunities within this industry, from becoming a qualified installer, to becoming an engineer on the manufacturing side, which is often overlooked by existing education criteria.

“This partnership offers students access to the very latest learning, alongside an in-depth understanding of business and manufacturing.

“We want to encourage people into the many roles available and keep the heating industry moving forward at the fast pace required for the UK to achieve net zero.”

Carol Dixon, director of employer partnerships at Derby College Group, said: “It is much talked about that the heating industry has an aging workforce, so it is essential we look at new ways to showcase and encourage people into this wide-ranging industry, and ensure they leave work and skills ready to make a difference as we move to a low carbon era.”

According to Vaillant, with demand for heat pumps rapidly increasing in the UK, encouraging younger generations into the industry is fundamental and will support the UK’s transition towards renewable heating solutions.

Last year, Vaillant made history as it hired the UK’s first 10 full-time, employed Low Carbon Heating Technician (LCHT) apprentices, who are being supported throughout their thee-year course, and who work across the Vaillant business – including on-the-job training with qualified heating engineers.

Through the firm’s collaboration with Derby College Group, new enhanced college schedules are being developed, enabling students access to the best learning from an educational and real-life business perspective.

Integrated with practical training, a new Vaillant Low Carbon Technology Training Room has this week been officially opened at the college’s Roundhouse campus.

Incorporating Vaillant’s heat pumps and controls, it provides hands-on learning for the LCHT apprentices and for future cohorts starting their journey in the industry.

It also provides an additional location for Vaillant’s own technical training team to deliver knowledge and skills to Vaillant employees.

And the training facility can be used to bolster capacity across Derbyshire, helping to meet the high demand for heat pump training courses from installers who are looking to upskill.

Henrik said: “Derby has long been known as a hub for engineering and innovation.

“As one of the largest manufacturers in the area producing a significant proportion of the UK’s heating appliances in Belper, we are keen to train and upskill those coming into the low carbon heating industry.

“We are confident that the benefits will be felt across the existing industry, by equipping students with the right skills needed for installers to take them on during their apprenticeship – and grow or expand their businesses into low carbon technologies.

“This partnership further supports our ongoing investment in providing continuous development to our colleagues, many of whom are local to Derby.”

Carol said:  “Being able to work with Vaillant on content and hands-on learning tools means we can combine and share our experience to give students a meaningful and valuable apprenticeship experience.

“Vaillant’s first cohort of Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprentices have made huge strides over the past year and the new training facilities can only help to take this further.”