Training provider wins contract worth nearly £1m

A specialist training provider based in Hawes, North Yorkshire, has been awarded a contract worth almost £1m to deliver national training for installers of renewable energy products.

GTEC Training secured a £50,000 funding package from NatWest, as part of the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), to support its successful bid to help tradespeople access discounted training in heat pumps and solar thermal.

The project – the Renewable Heat Installer Training & Support Scheme (RHITSS) – was awarded backing by the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy through Midlands Energy Hub.

It will help meet the demand for training driven by the Green Homes Grant (GHG) – the Government’s scheme to improve the energy efficiency of UK housing stock.

The programme started in December last year and will continue until mid-May 2021 providing installers across the country with the necessary training to achieve their place on the GHG Installer Register.

Founded in 2007, GTEC Training delivers training both nationally and internationally in the renewable energy sector, as well as plumbing, electrical and health and safety courses. The business employs four full-time members of staff and additional contractors when required.

Griff Thomas, managing director and owner of GTEC Training, said: “I started the business when I noticed a gap in market for high-quality training in products that would be beneficial to the environment in line with changing government policy. 14 years later, our focus remains on the renewable energy sector.

“Our successful bid for the RHITSS contract will allow us to administer funding to a network of training providers across the country, making sure the installers that sign up for the support go through the right training and progress to engage in the renewable sector. We’ll also deliver part of the training ourselves.

“The support from NatWest and the BBLS gave us the financial security to go for the bid and in turn, we can ensure tradespeople across the country have access to the best possible training, while contributing to meeting the UK’s low carbon target.”

Rob Utton, NatWest relationship manager, said: “At NatWest we are committed to supporting businesses that are operating in the renewable energy sector and addressing climate change.

“Over the last two years, we have worked closely with Griff and the team at GTEC to provide funding that will support the essential training of installers delivering renewable technologies and services.”