Brighton MET College has partnered with Vaillant and Optimus Heating to open the new Vaillant Training Facility.
A company statement said the facility will help equip the industry’s future workforce with the practical skills needed for a career in plumbing, heating and low-carbon technologies.
The facility is designed to support both those heading into the industry as well as employers.
Brighton MET students played a key role in the development of the project, the statement added. Learners from Plumbing, Carpentry, Multi-Trades and Construction courses helped build the space, creating a learning environment designed and constructed by students for future students.
One of those students was Papa Asamoah, a former plumbing student, 2024 Brightest Star award recipient and alumni apprentice at Optimus Heat Pumps. Papa helped design the centre’s layout and reflected on some of the challenges he has faced as a profoundly deaf apprentice.
Papa said: “Sometimes we had a breakdown in communication. I like to work independently without an interpreter, but that means sometimes we don’t understand each other.
“So, we do use our phones, and we text each other, and that actually is really helpful. And most of the time, we do understand and sort out any communication problems or barriers.”
Councillor Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, attended the opening.
She added: “I’m so impressed and blown away by this project, and what has been developed here. This is a stunning, beautiful campus in east Brighton, and here in this new training centre, you have bays designed to teach people how to install heat pumps.
“This is truly a world-leading innovation centre, training the young people that we want to get into the jobs of the future, as well as helping people that may be halfway through their careers to retrain in this really innovative and new technology.”
Henrik Hansen, managing director of Vaillant UK and Ireland, said: “The heating industry is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history as we move towards lower-carbon technologies, and developing the next generation of skilled installers will be critical to making that transition a success.
“At Vaillant, we have invested significantly in training and skills development because we know that achieving the UK’s decarbonisation ambitions will depend not only on innovation in technology, but on having a highly skilled workforce with the confidence and expertise to install, service and support these solutions.
“It is fantastic to see Brighton MET, Optimus Heating and its students come together to create a facility that will help inspire future careers in the industry and support the long-term growth of low-carbon heating across the UK.”
Vicki Illingworth, executive principal and deputy chief executive of CCG, added: “This facility is a powerful example of the commitment of both the Chichester College Group and Brighton MET to our shared Net Zero agenda.
“By supporting this place-based investment together, we are ensuring that our students are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow whilst also providing opportunities for employers to upskill and develop their workforce.”