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On-Island renewables training for heating engineers

Contractors can now apply for financial assistance

An initiative to provide local heating engineers with training to install renewable systems has been launched.

It's thanks to a collaborative initiative involving UK based GTEC, Construction Isle of Man and the Manx Government.

It's enabled GTEC to bring a series of industry-leading courses to the Island - saving local engineers the trouble and expense of travelling off Island to upskill.

Contractors taking up the training for their workforce can apply for financial assistance to help with course fees.

Debbie Reeve, Chief Officer for Construction IOM, said: "GTEC has built some great mobile rigs that they have brought to the Island to train our heating engineers this summer. 
"The first courses in Solar PV, Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS) and Air Source Heat Pump installation were delivered at the Comis Hotel at Mount Murray in late June with more planned for July and later in the year.  

"Historically many installers have been put off by the prospect of travelling over to the UK in search of renewables training, due to the additional cost of travel, accommodation and for the employee it's also the amount of time away from home. 

"So the project, which is supported by CIOM and the Manx Government, has generated a lot of interest. We’ve already had a great up-take for the pilot courses."

GTEC Managing Director Griff Thomas said: "The Isle of Man is a terrific place and we’re excited to be bringing renewables training to installers keen to support the Island’s drive towards a greener future. 

"Our rigs will provide learners with excellent hands-on experience to back up the theoretical training we deliver our renewables courses. 

"The location at Mount Murray is perfect to kick things off but because the rigs are portable, there’s the opportunity to deliver training at other locations in the future.”

You can find the GTEC website here.

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