HVAC apprentices studying at Salford City College’s City Skills Centre have seized the opportunity to hone their boiler servicing skills at a free practical workshop held by leading commercial heating manufacturer Remeha.

In all, 14 Level 3 service and maintenance students took part in the masterclass. After an update on the latest in condensing boiler technology, the apprentices rolled up their sleeves for a practical session on servicing and commissioning led by Remeha specialist engineers.

Greg Derbyshire, curriculum leader at the City Skills Centre building services department said: “This was a great opportunity for our students to gain hands-on experience with industry experts and to support their studies. Real-life experiences are an invaluable way of learning and a great way of showing young people how rewarding a career in building services can be.”

Remeha sales director James Porter said: “We are delighted to offer support to these apprentices. Giving our future heating engineers an insight into the expertise and skill of our trained engineers is essential preparation for a future in heating.”

Lewis Saxton, a Year 4 student and apprentice with HFL Building Solutions, agreed. He said: “The afternoon was very useful. We maintain Remeha boilers quite often during Planned Preventative Maintenance visits – so this closer look at the technology has given me more confidence when assisting the engineers I work with.”

The workshop follows on from a CBI report identifying the need to ensure that students enter the workplace with the right knowledge, skills and behaviours for career success.