Brand new Stourbridge training centre prepares for open day

A newly purchased energy training centre in Stourbridge is throwing open its doors to sector employers and prospective learners for an open day next week – with a chance to challenge a former world champion on the dartboard.

Smart Energy Training is cutting the ribbon on its new Stourbridge centre, at Unit 4 on Stambermill Industrial Estate on Timmis Road, on Tuesday August 4, giving people within the gas, plumbing, heating and renewable industry the chance to view the new facility, as well as anyone interested in either upskilling or training to become an engineer.

There will be food and an opportunity to meet the local Smart Energy Training team, while 2008 BDO World Champion, current Sky Sports pundit and former plumber Mark Webster will be present to take on visitors in a special darts challenge, with prizes for anyone who can beat the Welsh icon.

Offering both apprenticeships and short courses, Smart Energy Training is the fastest-growing training provider in the energy industry.

It acquired Elements Training & Assessment in Stourbridge, which was launched in 2016 by Matthew Stonehouse and his dad Ian, earlier in the year.

Paul Drew, Director at Smart Energy Training, said: “We are excited to host this open day in Stourbridge, giving people the chance to see what we are all about in a relaxed and fun setting.

“There will be a chance to explore the new centre, meet the team and talk about the apprenticeships and programmes available, as well as enjoying a free lunch.

“We’re also thrilled to have darts legend Mark ‘Webby’ Webster with us, who is one of the most popular and respected figures in the sport having started out on the tools as a plumber. Anyone who can outscore Mark with nine darts against his six will win a prize.

“At Smart Energy Training we are committed to playing our part in building the next generation of gas, plumbing, electrical and low-carbon engineers. We can support employers to build the workforce for the future – as well as helping young people access meaningful skilled careers.”

The open event takes place at Smart Energy Training Stourbridge between 8am and 2pm. Register attendance here: https://www.smartenergytraining.co.uk/smart-energy-open-days

More than one million young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Meanwhile, it’s estimated that the country needs an average of 6,500 new entrant gas engineers per year to meet demand and address the ageing population of the existing workforce.

Paul added: “The skills shortage is real and we are determined to play our part to ensure the UK has sufficient engineers as we transition to low-carbon energy.

“That’s why we have launched the Essential Trade Futures, which encourages organisations to recruit apprentices, transfer unused Apprenticeship Levy, champion the campaign through their networks or start a conversation about how they could support talent.”

Smart Energy Training became part of the Realise Training Group in March last year. Realise is one of the largest training providers in the UK, offering apprenticeships and adult skills programmes to more than 18,500 people each year.

Since the acquisition, Smart Energy Training has already expanded from one centre to five, with plans for further growth in the months and years to come.

For more information, visit www.smartenergytraining.co.uk

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