Training provider Smart Gas has invested £50,000 in its Ashbourne centre, boosting capacity by over 40%. The project also increases the number of classrooms from three to five, refurbishes the gas training space and creates a new breakout area for learners.
A new dedicated space for green energy has also been created for specialist air source heat pump training.
The work has increased Smart Gas’ capacity for apprenticeship learners from 100 to 120 per month, and for commercial learners from 20 to 50 per month, while opening the door to new courses in the coming months.
Centre manager Adam Kolaszynski says: “This has been a significant investment in our Ashbourne training centre that will make a huge difference to our learners. By reworking the space, we have been able to create two additional training rooms which are modern and clean. The new breakout room is also much nicer than its predecessor, featuring new furniture, a kitchen area and charging power banks. It’s about creating a welcoming space that promotes learning and skill enhancement.
“The green energy training space will allow us to teach the latest technologies and techniques. Crucially, we’ll also be able to accept more apprentices and more commercial students, helping to address the significant shortage of gas engineers in the UK.”
Smart Gas was formed in 2016 and offers air source heat pump, gas, plumbing and heating training, including the Level 3 Gas Engineering Operative Apprenticeship and ACS Gas accreditations.
The business was recently acquired by Realise Training Group – a UK training provider – which plans to develop and expand the business and its offering in the coming years.
As part of its commitment to tackling the skills shortage, Smart Gas is hosting an open day at its Ashbourne centre on Friday, September 12. The taster session is aimed at newcomers considering an apprenticeship route – including teenagers who have just received their GCSE or A-Level results – as well as employers looking to upskill their workforce. The event will feature informal talks, practical challenges and opportunities to meet the Smart Gas team, with advice available on tailored funding options and transferring staff onto programmes.
The open day also gives employers the chance to connect with motivated learners and explore the recently revamped facilities. Anyone registering and attending will be entered into a prize draw to win a Milwaukee drill worth £299.99. The event will take place between 10am and 2pm at Moor Farm Road, Units 3-5 Runway Business Park, Ashbourne DE6 1HD, with a free lunch included.
The recent investment has also allowed Smart Gas to launch a Managed Learning Programme (MLP) in gas engineering, a structured training pathway designed for individuals new to the industry. Starting in September and led by dedicated trainers, the programme will be ideal for people wanting to study at their own pace or alongside an existing job.
Early next year Smart Gas is planning to launch a low carbon engineer apprenticeship concentrating entirely on new technologies including heat pumps.
Gregg Scott, CEO of Realise Training Group, comments: “We are delighted to begin our investment in the Smart Gas business. Our future plan is to take this offering further around the East Midlands and beyond, providing opportunities for new and existing engineers to upskill and train in multiple geographical locations.”
Since launching, Smart Gas has trained more than 1,500 engineers, including nearly 300 apprentices after becoming an approved apprenticeship training centre in 2020. Learners have come from Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire and Cheshire, as well as the local area.
For more information, visit www.smartgastraining.co.uk or call 01335 300560.
