A new training hub has opened at UHI Inverness to equip the next generation of heating and plumbing installers with the skills needed to work with green technologies.

The Renewable Energy Training Hub, which was officially launched on 28 November, is equipped with the latest air source heat pump systems from leading manufacturers such as Panasonic, Samsung, and Grant UK.

Representatives from these companies attended the launch event, alongside representatives from several local heating and plumbing firms. The event aimed to showcase advanced heat pump technology and highlight how the training hub can benefit businesses by upskilling their workforce.

Professor Chris O'Neil, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Inverness, welcomed everyone to the launch by saying:

"With nearly half of Scotland's registered air source heat pump installers based in this area, our region is embracing new technologies. As an institution we are more than delighted to be involved in moving that forward, and we appreciate the support we have received from our colleagues in the industry."

Professor O'Neil expressed his particular thanks to Grant UK, Samsung, Panasonic, McDonald Water Storage for sponsoring the thermal store, RI Cruden for completing the plumbing installation, Highland Council for providing the funds and to all the UHI Inverness staff involved in the project.

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The Highland Council had invited applications for funding from the UK Government-backed UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support the costs of green skills training for the workforce. UHI Inverness secured funding, with support from local businesses, and collaborated with its partners on a substantial upgrade of the renewables centre to create the new training hub.

The hub will provide the existing workforce and apprentices with hands-on experience on the industry's latest sustainable heating technology with the aim of helping to decarbonise heating, future-proof Scottish homes and address the skills shortage in the industry.

Steve Ellison, Assistant Training Manager at Grant UK, said:

"With the ever-growing need to switch to more sustainable heating solutions, training providers need to fulfil the requirement to provide engineers and installers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make the transition away from using fossil fuels, and towards more sustainable options such as air source heat pumps.

"The opening of the new Renewable Energy Training Hub at UHI Inverness is an important step in being able to achieve this, giving hands-on access to the latest low carbon heating technologies. Grant UK is proud to be in partnership with UHI Inverness and looks forward to supporting the provision of training to both the current and future generations of heating engineers and installers, helping them gain the required skills and knowledge to support their personal development within this ever-changing industry."

Richard Moncur, Regional Development Manager for Samsung Climate Solutions, said:

"We are delighted to support this transformative initiative at UHI Inverness. This new training hub underscores Samsung's commitment to sustainability and to equipping professionals with the expertise needed to lead the shift toward greener heating solutions."

He added that the official launch event had given them the opportunity to showcase Samsung's advanced air source heat pump systems alongside the latest sustainable heating innovations.

Iain King, Curriculum Leader of Construction and Engineering at UHI Inverness, said:

"In this dynamic time of moving towards green-based heating, UHI Inverness has invested in updating its renewables centre to allow us to upskill existing practitioners and train apprentices in the emerging technologies required to achieve net zero carbon emissions. Our valued partnerships will provide access to these technologies, ensuring that our services remain at the forefront of the industry, advancing standards and sustainability, and creating a new generation of qualified practitioners."