Heat pump training academy launches to help create 8,000 jobs
Swedish clean energy-tech business, Aira, has opened the doors to its new training academy in Sheffield to develop the best-in class heat pump installers and renewable technicians.
The Aira Academy will act as the Northern training headquarters, welcoming hundreds of recruits this year alone at all stages of their career, including apprentices and existing gas engineers, to become heat pump specialists within clean energy-tech roles.
From September, Aira will be onboarding apprentices from the local area in partnership with RNN Group.
Recent Parliamentary research reveals that in 2022, the UK had just 3,000 qualified heat pump engineers and yet, the Government estimates that by 2028, the country will need to have 27,000 installers to meet the national installation target of 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028.
Aira says it is committed to hiring 8,000 clean energy roles over the next decade to help facilitate the transition.
Located in White Rose Business Park, the 3,400 sq ft centre of excellence hosts multiple training rooms and demonstration zones where trainees will be able to sharpen their skills and practice a variety of heat pump installation scenarios.
The recruits will also have access to the latest technology and tools, allowing them to develop their awareness and understanding of the latest products and surrounding policies.
Pamela Brown, Aira group chief marketing officer, said: “I’m immensely proud to open the first-of-a-kind Aira Academy in Sheffield, which enables our ambition to take Europe off gas by training the much-needed green skills workforce.
“By empowering the next generation of clean energy experts, Aira is able to deliver a complete end-to-end service with high-quality installations and the reassurance of a 15-year Comfort Guarantee with the Aira Heat Pump.
Pamela Brown
“It’s electrifying to see so many individuals move over from roles in fossil-fuels to careers in clean energy-tech and we know this is just the start of a shift in paradigm to a more sustainable future.”
Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield South East and chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, added: “It’s fantastic to see innovative companies such as Aira set up their advanced training facilities in Sheffield, increasing employment opportunities and bringing investment to the local area.
“If as a country, we are serious about working towards net zero, we are going to need many new installers to meet the predicted demand for low carbon heat pumps with over 230,000 homes in Sheffield still using gas boilers.”
