Student innovation powers new Vaillant Training Facility at Brighton MET

Innovation, skills development and the future of low-carbon heating took centre stage as Brighton MET College partnered with leading heating manufacturer Vaillant and Optimus Heating to open the newest Vaillant Training Facility.

The facility will help equip the industry’s future workforce with the practical skills needed for a career in plumbing, heating and low-carbon technologies, to support the UK’s transition to more sustainable heating technologies. It is designed to support both those heading into the industry as well as employers, by equipping young people with essential skills, supporting adults looking to upskill or change careers, and strengthen workforce development across the sector.

Brighton MET students played a key role in the development of the project. Learners from plumbing, carpentry, multi-trades and construction courses helped build the space, creating a learning environment designed and constructed by students for future students.

One of those students was Papa Asamoah, a former plumbing student, 2024 Brightest Star award recipient and alumni apprentice at Optimus Heat Pumps. Papa helped design the centre’s layout and reflected on some of the challenges he has faced as a profoundly deaf apprentice:

“Sometimes we had a breakdown in communication. I like to work independently without an interpreter, but that means sometimes we don’t understand each other.

“So, we do use our phones, and we text each other, and that actually is really helpful. And most of the time, we do understand and sort out any communication problems or barriers.”

Papa represents the next generation of skilled green workers helping to deliver the UK’s net zero ambitions.

Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, attended the opening and praised the centre’s impact on skills development and future careers:

“I’m so impressed and blown away by this project, and what has been developed here. This is a stunning, beautiful campus in east Brighton, and here in this new training centre, you have bays designed to teach people how to install heat pumps. 

“This is truly a world-leading innovation centre, training the young people that we want to get into the jobs of the future, as well as helping people that may be halfway through their careers to retrain in this really innovative and new technology.” 

Henrik Hansen, Managing Director of Vaillant UK and Ireland, said:

“The heating industry is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history as we move towards lower-carbon technologies, and developing the next generation of skilled installers will be critical to making that transition a success.

“At Vaillant, we have invested significantly in training and skills development because we know that achieving the UK’s decarbonisation ambitions will depend not only on innovation in technology, but on having a highly skilled workforce with the confidence and expertise to install, service and support these solutions.

“It is fantastic to see Brighton MET, Optimus Heating and its students come together to create a facility that will help inspire future careers in the industry and support the long-term growth of low-carbon heating across the UK.”

Vicki Illingworth, Executive Principal and Deputy Chief Executive of CCG, added:

“This facility is a powerful example of the commitment of both the Chichester College Group and Brighton MET to our shared net-zero agenda. By supporting this place-based investment together, we are ensuring that our students are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow whilst also providing opportunities for employers to upskill and develop their workforce.”

To find out about courses at Brighton MET College, please click here. To learn more about Vaillant, please click here. To find out more about Optimus Heating, please click here.

Image – left to right: Mark Wilkins (Vaillant), Greg Mann (Brighton Met), Laura Thomas (Vaillant), Bella Sankey (Leader, Brighton Council), Henrik Hansen (Vaillant), Luke Sheppard (Optimus Heating), Simon Murray (Optimus Heating), Matthew Vaughan (Principal, Brighton Met).