A new training centre for microgeneration technologies part-funded by German heating manufacturer Stiebel Eltron, is to open at the firm's premises this July.
Construction of the Green Energy Training Centre (GETC) in Bromborough starts this month.

The project has received £280,000 funding from the Wirral-based firm Stiebel Eltron, the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and Birkenhead-based training provider Scientiam.

In total, Stiebel Eltron will invest £57,372, Scientiam £100,050 and SFA £122,275, through the Regional Skills Capital Development Fund.

Stiebel Eltron's UK managing director Mark McManus said the centre will be open to train construction industry tradesmen across the UK.

'If we are to meet the UK's target of 15% of UK energy coming from renewable sources by 2020, there is a desperate need to improve the quantity and calibre of training available specifically in microgeneration technologies', said McManus.

Microgeneration is defined as green technologies found within homes and commercial properties which produce heating, hot water, ventilation, lighting and electricity. This includes equipment such as ground and air source heat pumps, solar panels and solar photovoltaic.

McManus said the GETC will provide training on the latest equipment helping UK installers become accredited for the government's Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Property owners using installers not recognised by the MCS cannot apply for government grants, which can pay up to half the costs of buying and installing green energy equipment.

Scientiam managing director Mandi O'Shea urged heating and plumbing businesses, looking to improve green energy training and qualifications, to enrol on courses.

O'Shea said: '2,000 heating and plumbing business in the North West are calling for more green energy training to help them comply with new building standards. But to ensure this centre really does make an impact we have partnered with Stiebel Eltron as one of the biggest and most established renewable energy product manufacturers in the world'.