The Energy Training Academy (ETA) is expecting to upskill around 300 Octopus Energy Group engineers in 2024 as part of a key training partnership with the renewables giant.

Cohorts of gas engineers are travelling to Dalkeith on the outskirts of Edinburgh from south of the Border every month for the 10-day course as they learn how to install heat pumps under the expert guidance of ETA Technical Director Ian Edgeworth.

All those who successfully complete the training programme will be NICEIC accredited and qualified to install heat pumps.

In a huge boost for the academy, it was identified by Octopus, recently confirmed by Ofgem as Britain's largest electricity supplier, as one of the only facilities in the UK which could deliver the necessary volume with the required quality.

Consequently, the centre is set to play a major role in helping deliver on the UK government's target of installing 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028.

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"There's nobody more progressive in what they are trying to do than Octopus and we're delighted to be recognised by them as a key training partner," said ETA director and co-founder Andrew Lamond.

"It elevates the Energy Training Academy and is a prime example of exactly why we set it up. It's credit to the team for showing they're capable of delivering it and a strong endorsement of what the training academy is all about."

Ian Edgeworth said: "Our partnership with Octopus Energy is all about innovation and collaboration. Working closely with their training management team, we've crafted a unique curriculum and unparalleled training experience that sets new standards for delivery excellence.

"From the initial stages of discussion and development, it became evident that our Academy's bespoke facilities would offer operatives an immersive, hands-on learning experience unlike any other.

"Our mission has always been to mentor and empower engineers for success in the renewable heating sector. This includes a collaborative effort to provide in-house product training on the specific equipment these engineers will encounter in their day-to-day operations and this can only enhance their ability to be 'job ready' for the journey and challenges ahead."

Mark Glasgow, ETA co-founder, added: "We want to partner with manufacturers or service-based businesses looking to do big things in the industry as there are huge changes happening in the sector.

"We're delighted with the numerous collaborations we currently have but this is the highest profile partnership we have signed. This deal with Octopus has really put the academy project on its feet and will help us put more back into the schools and community, which was one of the main reasons we set it up."