Meeting with NIBE’s managing director Phil Hurley, discussions were held on the role of heat pumps in decarbonising the economy and the need to upskill the installer base to meet net zero targets. Mr Toby Perkins was also given a tour of our latest heat pump products and smart solutions.
The newly refurbished training academy was showcased, emphasising the benefits the centre will provide for increasing the available heat pump installer base in the UK. The visit provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of upskilling the new generation of installers and engineers on the route to net zero – and the drive needed to meet the government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installs per year by 2028.
Net zero commitments
The shadow minister for skills and further education said: “I was delighted to visit NIBE’s new training academy and very pleased that they have chosen to further invest in Chesterfield. Green investment is vital to the future of our economy and our ability to meet our net zero commitments and fight climate change.
“The development of new technologies, such as advanced heat pumps, also requires developing new skills in the workforce. The NIBE training academy will help provide the next generation of skilled engineers in this sector and provide vital new job opportunities locally.
‘I was pleased to discuss Labour’s plans to allow firms to utilise the apprenticeship levy more flexibly to ensure that our country has the green skills required to make a net zero future a reality and am excited that we have, here in Chesterfield, a firm leading the green revolution.
“I look forward to watching their progress and hope to come back and meet some of the people who have been trained here in Chesterfield.”
Greater insight into low carbon training opportunities
The visit follows the academy’s grand re-opening in December, where NIBE was joined by the worshipful mayor of Chesterfield, Tony Rogers and his wife, mayoress Sharon Rogers for the unveiling. Attendees got the chance to gain greater insight into the low carbon training opportunities available as NIBE called for a growing installer base.
Managing director Phil Hurley said “It was a pleasure to once again meet our local Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins, on Friday and to show him around our flagship training academy. We held productive talks on the vital need to expand the heat pump installer base in order to meet Government installation targets and how our products will contribute to producing more sustainable heating across the country.”