£400,000 expansion at Macbrook Norwich training academy
UK – Macbrook Training has invested £400,000 in a major expansion of its Norwich training academy as part of a wider £750,000 commitment to developing the next generation of engineers and addressing skills shortages across the building services, heating and renewable energy sectors.
The investment follows the acquisition of the former NGEO training business by the Macbrook Group last year and significantly increases the site’s capacity to train both experienced engineers and people entering the industry for the first time.
The centre now employs four fulltime staff and features 12 classrooms and a 5,000 sq ft practical training facility equipped with heat pumps, boilers, electrical fuse boards, loft training spaces and solar installation platforms. It will provide a range of specialist renewable and HVAC qualifications, including BPEC Air Source Heat Pump installation and maintenance courses, as well as F-Gas certification for air conditioning and refrigeration engineers. The academy is designed to support both experienced heating engineers looking to upskill and new entrants seeking qualifications in low-carbon technologies.
Learners will also have access to courses covering traditional gas, electrical, plumbing and renewable energy disciplines, allowing engineers to develop multi-skilled capabilities that reflect the changing needs of the industry. The practical training areas have been built to replicate real-world installation environments, giving delegates hands-on experience with the technologies they will encounter on site.
Macbrook works with leading manufacturers to ensure its training reflects the latest products, technologies and installation standards. The centre has established relationships with major industry brands including Grant Engineering and Ideal Heating, enabling engineers to gain practical experience with equipment widely used throughout the sector.
The company is also progressing an application to become an approved apprenticeship provider, enabling it to deliver apprenticeship programmes directly from the Norwich centre. Once approved, the academy plans to support apprentices employed by both Macbrook Group businesses and other employers across the region, helping to create a stronger pipeline of skilled workers for the future.
Johnathan Mckenna, Chief Executive of Macbrook Group, said: “The challenge facing our sector a lack of skilled people not a lack of opportunities for work. Every part of the industry is competing for talent and that challenge becomes even greater as the transition to greener technologies gathers pace.
“Investing in training is one of the most important things we can do as a business. This expansion allows us to support existing engineers, create opportunities for new entrants and, in the future, develop apprentices who can go on to build successful careers across the region.
“We believe businesses have a responsibility to help develop the workforce they need, and this centre puts us in a strong position to support that ambition for many years to come.”
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