Vaillant unveils partnership with Derby College Group
Vaillant has a new strategic partnership with Derby College Group (DCG), developing blended learning for those leaving school and mature students. Together they provide the wide range of skills needed for a career in the heating industry, as well as a working knowledge of business and the sector’s many opportunities, supporting the journey towards decarbonisation.
New college schedules mean that students can access the best learning from an educational and real-life business perspective. Integrated with practical training, a new Vaillant low-carbon technology training room at the Roundhouse campus incorporates the company’s heat pumps and controls. It provides hands-on learning for 10 inaugural low-carbon heating technician (LCHT) apprentices and for future cohorts starting their journey in the industry.
This new apprenticeship encourages younger generations into the industry and will support the UK’s transition towards renewable heating solutions, says Vaillant.
The location will also be used for Vaillant’s own technical training team to deliver knowledge and skills to employees to help develop business knowledge and career progression. The training facility can be used to bolster training capacity across Derbyshire helping to meet the high demand for heat pump training courses from installers who are looking to upskill.
Henrik Hansen, managing director at Vaillant Group, UK and Ireland, says: “As one of the largest manufacturers in the area, producing a significant proportion of the UK’s heating appliances in Belper, we are keen to train and upskill those coming into the low-carbon heating industry.
“There are many opportunities within this industry, from becoming a qualified installer to becoming an engineer on the manufacturing side, which is often overlooked by existing education criteria.
“This partnership offers students access to the very latest learning, alongside an in-depth understanding of business and manufacturing. We want to encourage people into the many roles available and keep the heating industry moving forward at the fast pace required for the UK to achieve net zero.”
The course is recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and was developed by MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) with support from employers.
