Baxi Group helps young apprentices shine on solar course

Date:

01/07/2008

Young gas engineering apprentices have taken part in two Learning and Skills Council (LSC) 'expert classes' run at the Baxi Group Training Centre in Dartford. 

Offered as part of the LSC's 'From Competence to Excellence' programme, the 'Gas Engineering: Solar Systems' class offered the students, from colleges in Kent and Hampshire, an expert introduction to solar systems.

Neil Hillier, Baxi Group Training Officer, who ran the course in Dartford, said: "With rising fuel prices, fuel poverty and continuing talk of global warming, solar systems will be a major part of every gas engineer's working life in the future.

"We gave the apprentices an introduction to renewable technologies, the reasons why we are using these technologies, the different types of solar systems and collectors and the practical details of commissioning and installing solar systems.

"We wanted to give them an insight into the latest technology and innovation in their field and underline the world class skills they will need in tomorrow's workplace," he continued.

"We received some very positive feedback. This technology is still fairly new to the UK market and the apprentices were surprised at how much we fitted in to a day."

Over 5000 apprentices have attended LSC 'expert classes' throughout the South East in the past six months. They are designed to give the cream of the crop of this year's apprentices the chance to develop advanced skills.

Stephen Gardner, Director of Apprenticeships at the LSC said: "The LSC believes that this programme is a stepping stone that will help apprentices and vocational learners to take their skills to world-class levels and move from being competent to excellent.  The classes also allow trainers to develop better links with employers and really promote expert skills across a range of industries."

Baxi Group is committed to training and promoting excellence in the domestic heating industry.  It offers a comprehensive range of courses at eight training centres across the UK.  For more information or to book a course, please visit the Baxi Group Training website.