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New Heat Network Training Centre

Supporting Skills Development in the Drive to Net Zero

Vital Energi is set to support heat network skills development with the opening of a £2M training centre at its Blackburn HQ.

Heat networks will play an increasingly important role in meeting the UK’s net zero objectives, with the Minister for State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, Kwasi Kwarteng MP, recently calling for up to £1billion of investment in the industry by 2030.

As a company dedicated to providing sustainable, long-term heat and power solutions, we believe it’s our responsibility to help close the skills gap facing our industry and support the workforce that is set to deliver the UK’s low-carbon future. Our new training centre will focus on knowledge sharing and skills development, providing attendees with the necessary tools to support the Government’s heat network expansion plans. We expect the centre will significantly boost the pool of qualified and experienced workers in the industry. As a business, we already enable individuals seeking a change of career through training and support packages. We will continue to build on this approach by offering apprenticeships, graduate jobs and forging partnerships with higher education institutions in the communities in which we work. With the development of new skills and formal training, we believe our new facility will be an invaluable resource as we work towards achieving the country’s net zero ambitions.

Gary Fielding, Chairman of Vital Energi

The centre, which is designed to be both Covid-secure and interactive, utilises a multitude of digital tools to allow heat network training to take place amidst current government restrictions. The new 600m2 facility is home to a 60-seater lecture theatre and seminar-style classrooms. It will provide pioneering demonstrative training resources and collaborative programmes, delivered with industry partners including LOGSTOR, which can be carried out both on and offline.

As district heating pipes are buried below ground, it can be challenging to train individuals without visiting a live project. With site visits impacted by the pandemic, Vital Energi has purpose-built two demonstration trenches which will be used to educate students and existing employees about techniques such as jointing and welding pipes, insulation processes and moisture control.

The centre will grow the company’s existing relationship with The City of Liverpool College with additional apprenticeship recruitment, presentations and new product training as well supporting courses at other universities and colleges with practical and theoretical education. The facility will also benefit Vital Energi’s existing employees by supporting engineers and designers with skills development opportunities.