News | 26/09/2024

Made in Huntingdonshire: East Anglia Energy Academy in partnership with Reed Environment

Introduction

East Anglia Energy Academy, in partnership with Reed Environment, has recently established a new centre in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, marking a significant expansion of their training initiatives.

This strategic move underscores the academy's commitment to addressing escalating trade skills gaps and supporting the transition to renewable energy solutions in the UK.

Director, David Bendell says, "Choosing St Ives as our new location was the result of thorough research into the area's potential to serve as a hub for our training programs. St Ives worked for us because there was a gap in the map and it is sited near major roadways, so it's pretty simple to get to us from anywhere."

Comprehensive for skilled trades

East Anglia Energy Academy specialises in providing comprehensive training for apprentices and adult learners across key
trades such as plumbing, gas engineering, renewables, and electrical work.

The academy prides itself on offering tailored courses that are not only aligned with industry standards but also some of the more specialist courses, not offered by other training centres.

“There are 54 different types of gas qualification. We offer a lot of the less common qualifications, including many renewable courses, such as heat pump systems. These qualifications are not offered by most other training centres, which brings people to us from all over the country.”

Additionally, the centre supports the specific needs of corporate clients through bespoke training solutions accredited by recognised awarding bodies. This approach ensures that learners receive high-quality instruction that prepares them effectively for their chosen professions.

Renewable Energy Initiatives

At the forefront of the academy's mission is its commitment to cultivating a new generation of green trade professionals to meet the UK's ambitious Net Zero targets.

Additionally, the Academy aims to encourage experienced tradespeople to enhance their skills, with a specific emphasis on renewable energy technologies.

Tom Hoines, Energy Services Director for Reed Environment, highlighted, “There are currently about 4,000 qualified heat pump engineers in the country. We need 6,000 a year to meet the targets.”

Through specialised courses in renewable energy technologies - including solar panel installation, EV charging infrastructure, and heat pump systems - East Anglia Energy Academy plays a crucial role in providing trades with the qualifications needed to upskill in these critical areas.

Strategic Location: St Ives, Cambridgeshire

St Ives offers strategic advantages as an ideal business location for East Anglia Energy Academy. The academy occupies sizable premises in the town, spanning 15,500 square feet, which accommodates up to 200 apprentices and other learners annually.

This expansive space includes state-of-the-art training facilities, enhancing the learning experience for students. Situated near major transport links, the town provides convenient access from various parts of the country.

“When we were looking for the property, we had public transport and connections at the top of the priority list. Most people travel to us in vans, so we knew we needed a big car park. And for the apprentices not yet able to drive, or still learning, there are good public transport links to Cambridge and surrounding areas.” David Bendell

Community and Economic Impact

The Academy will significantly benefit the local community by offering local tradespeople and apprentices essential qualifications in skilled trades such as renewable energy, which in turn will boost the local economy.

Trade vacancies are at a record high, a factor which is impacting sectors such as construction, the Academy will provide local businesses and apprentices with bespoke training that will help address the skills gap and support the economic and employment growth in the region.

Forward-Thinking Skills Development

East Anglia Energy Academy exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to skill development and renewable energy in Huntingdonshire.

Leveraging its strategic location and comprehensive training, the academy is well-positioned to meet the escalating trade skills gap and demands of the renewable energy sector, fostering a next-gen green trade workforce for the future.

“We’re still new in the area as the centre only opened in May 2024, and the Economic Development team has been extremely supportive of us so far. There are definitely exciting times ahead and we look forward to working with them further!"

Why Huntingdonshire?

"East Anglia Energy Academy's relocation to St Ives is a strategic decision driven by our commitment to addressing the growing trade skills gap and supporting the UK's renewable energy transition. Our new centre's prime location and state-of-the-art facilities allow us to serve apprentices, adult learners, and corporate clients effectively. This relocation enhances our ability to provide high-quality training while contributing to the local economy by fostering a skilled workforce."

Interview with: David Bendell (Oxford Energy Academies) and Thomas Hoines (Reed Environment)
Interview date: 18th June 2024