Brighton MET College opens Vaillant training centre
UK – Brighton MET College has officially opened a new Vaillant training facility to help train the next generation of installers for the UK’s growing low-carbon heating sector.
Developed in partnership with Vaillant and Optimus Heating, the new facility has been created to provide practical training in plumbing, heating and renewable technologies, helping students, career changers and existing heating professionals develop the skills needed to support the transition to heat pumps and other low-carbon heating systems.
A distinctive feature of the project is that Brighton MET students were directly involved in creating the facility. Learners from plumbing, carpentry, multi-trades and construction courses helped design and build the training centre, creating a space intended to support future generations of students entering the industry.
Among those involved was former Brighton MET plumbing student Papa Asamoah, now an apprentice with Optimus and recipient of the college’s 2024 Brightest Star award. Papa contributed to the layout of the training centre and spoke about overcoming communication challenges as a profoundly deaf apprentice.
“Sometimes we had a breakdown in communication. I like to work independently without an interpreter, but that means sometimes we don’t understand each other,” he said. “So, we do use our phones, and we text each other, and that actually is really helpful. And most of the time, we do understand and sort out any communication problems or barriers.”
The opening ceremony was attended by Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, who highlighted the importance of the facility in preparing people for careers in low-carbon technologies.
“I’m so impressed and blown away by this project, and what has been developed here,” she said. “This is truly a world-leading innovation centre, training the young people that we want to get into the jobs of the future, as well as helping people that may be halfway through their careers to retrain in this really innovative and new technology.”
Henrik Hansen, Managing Director of Vaillant UK and Ireland, said the heating industry’s transition to lower-carbon technologies would depend on developing a skilled installer workforce.
“The heating industry is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history as we move towards lower-carbon technologies, and developing the next generation of skilled installers will be critical to making that transition a success,” he said.
We have invested significantly in training and skills development because we know that achieving the UK’s decarbonisation ambitions will depend not only on innovation in technology, but on having a highly skilled workforce.
Henrik Hansen, Managing Director, Vaillant UK
“At Vaillant, we have invested significantly in training and skills development because we know that achieving the UK’s decarbonisation ambitions will depend not only on innovation in technology, but on having a highly skilled workforce with the confidence and expertise to install, service and support these solutions.”
Vicki Illingworth, Executive Principal and Deputy Chief Executive of Chichester College Group, said the new centre reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions through skills development.
“This facility is a powerful example of the commitment of both the Chichester College Group and Brighton MET to our shared net-zero agenda,” she said. “By supporting this place-based investment together, we are ensuring that our students are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow whilst also providing opportunities for employers to upskill and develop their workforce.”
The new facility forms part of Vaillant’s wider investment in installer education and aims to help address the growing demand for skilled professionals capable of installing and maintaining heat pump systems as the UK accelerates the decarbonisation of home heating.
