Mitsubishi puts more energy into training for renewables
Mitsubishi Electric has expanded its commitment to renewable-energy technologies with the opening of a new training centre for renewable energy at its headquarters in Hatfield, Herts. The new centre enables the company to double the availability of training courses to 4000 a year. The company is also establishing long-term links with schools and colleges to fill the knowledge gap surrounding renewable technologies and capture the next generation of plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, air-conditioning and photo-voltaic installers.
Donald Daw, commercial director for the company’s living environmental systems division, explains, ‘We intend to increase awareness and understanding of renewable technologies from the classroom to career. In doing so, we not only plan to help raise standards within the industry but also increase the level of understanding amongst the public.
Display areas for these technologies contain a full range of live operational products to give a complete picture of the issues surrounding the installation and use of renewable technologies.
Speaking about heat pumps in particular, Donald Daw says, ‘Independent research has demonstrated that heat pumps can offer a viable mass-market alternative to gas and oil heating if they are installed and commissioned correctly into suitable buildings.
‘However, the year-long trials by the Energy Saving Trust also highlight the need to increase awareness of the possibilities of renewable technology amongst consumers, and that is why we are looking beyond the industry and targeting education.’
Mitsubishi Electric has established links with Cornwall College and South Lanarkshire in East Kilbride to enable them to provide training for the Ecodan range of air-source heat pumps. The company is also in discussions with several other heating and plumbing colleges with a view to establishing nationally recognised training courses.
