Poised to revolutionise the training landscape, the new centre was officially opened on 15 May. Key government and industry figures were in attendance, including Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Higher and Further Education, and Tadashi Fujiwara, the Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh.
With the UK government ambition of 600,000 residential heat pump installations per year by 2028, there is a growing demand for skilled and accredited installers. Legislation, including funding, by Scottish Government and demand from homeowners and businesses to replace fossil fuel boilers with more sustainable solutions are driving sector growth.
Responding to this increased opportunity, the new Livingston Training Centre can train in excess of 1,000 accredited heat pump installers per year. As well as hands-on training, Mitsubishi Electric has developed Virtual Reality (VR) training opportunities giving installers a new and innovative way to learn and understand the workings of heat pumps.
From the Livingston Training Centre, Mitsubishi Electric is also able to support local colleges and schools in training in renewable heating.
To mark the opening, Mitsubishi Electric is offering free training at the centre over the next three months for installers with a company registered in Scotland who wish to complete their Part 1, 2 and 3 training in the design and install of Ecodan heat pumps, or who would like to attend a practical, hands-on workshop.
Advancing career opportunities
Russell Dean, Mitsubishi Electric Residential Product Group Director said: “Heat pumps have become the de facto renewable heating and hot water system for homes. As such, there is an urgent need for trained and accredited heat pump installers. Offering hands-on training, including using pioneering VR technology, and based at the Livingston factory complex, the largest manufacturer of heat pumps in the UK, trainees can be fully immersed in the world of heat pumps. They will leave here having developed their skills and advanced their career opportunities to install heat pumps.
“The Livingston Training Centre reaffirms Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to investing in decarbonised heating and in developing a local workforce to bring about a greener sustainable future.”
Further Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “Clean heat and energy efficiency will be vital in meeting our ambitions to achieve net zero both in Scotland and across the world. As part of this, it is important that the Government continues to work collectively with industry, public and private sectors to help scale up the workforce needed to install heat pumps and other clean heating technologies.
“I have been delighted to see the innovative ways in which Mitsubishi Electric is training up the next generation to ensure they are prepared to tackle the challenges of both the present and the future.”
The Livingston Training Centre joins the company’s two other centres in Manchester and Hatfield.
Images courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric.