Amersham & Wycombe College is one of the first Colleges in the UK to offer training on renewable and alternative energy systems. The College will be working with employers to ensure that the courses offered fulfil industry needs. Along with some of the best resources in the area, the college has also established many links with both employers and industry, and are involved in a number of leading-edge collaborative projects – including their most recent venture establishing the first Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in Construction & Building Services in the UK.

The centre, which includes a brand new computer suite and a demonstration area, will allow students to gain hands-on experience installing and maintaining the latest in alternative technologies. The training facilities include a rainwater harvesting unit, a ground source heat pump, an underfloor heating training area, solar thermal panels and a demonstration photovoltaics unit.

Jill Rowell, the College’s Head of Department for Engineering and Construction, has been instrumental in the development of the Environmental Training Centre. She said: “The drive towards energy efficiency means the course we are offering is ideal for those wishing to explore how to build more energy efficient and sustainable new homes or renovate existing houses to the same standard.”

“Students at the training centre will learn how a variety of energy efficient products work together and we believe offering a course with a total approach to energy will ensure students finish with relevant and transferable skills suited to the industry. Establishing partnerships with several companies, such as Nu-Heat Underfloor, enables us to call upon their expertise and create a relevant and practical course.”

Nu-Heat has sponsored the underfloor heating in the Environmental Training Centre and following their involvement with Amersham now plan to support a number of Building and Construction colleges throughout the UK. Nu-Heat will supply training equipment, bespoke literature, online support and tutor training as part of their sponsorship program with raising awareness about environmental construction methods at the heart of the initiative.

Nu-Heat says the concept behind the scheme is driven by a desire to share the experience and knowledge gained working with both the construction and heating industry for over 14 years. Adrian Troop, Sales and Marketing Director for Nu-Heat comments:

“We are proud to be involved with such a pioneering project and supporting initiatives such as the Environmental Training Centre at Amersham and Wycombe College ensures information and expertise is passed on to future professionals within the building industry as well as the plumbing and heating sector.”

For more information about the course offered at the Environmental Training Centre, visit www.amersham.ac.uk.

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