Realise Training Group has strengthened its specialist energy training provision through its Smart Energy Training division, following the acquisition of award-winning Yorkshire-based training provider Brookhouse.

The acquisition of Cleckheaton-based Brookhouse forms part of Realise Training Group’s continued growth strategy in the energy training sector and marks an important milestone for Smart Energy Training, establishing a strong presence in the North of England and opening a major new geographic region for energy training delivery.

This expansion extends Smart Energy Training’s reach beyond its four established Midlands locations, enhancing access to high-quality gas and energy training for learners across the region.

Founded in 2016, Brookhouse delivers Gas Managed Learning Programmes for individuals entering the gas engineering profession, alongside ACS Gas Reassessment courses.

Brookhouse was the first independent centre in the country to deliver recognised MLPs and trains around 120 people a year. This includes ex-military personnel through a resettlement scheme, with an impressive record of learners obtaining employment following work placements.

Brookhouse’s courses will continue as scheduled, providing continuity for learners. James McConnell has stepped down as Managing Director to pursue other business opportunities, including running a bistro he owns with his wife Sam. James said:

“It was important to me that, if we sold Brookhouse, it was to a training provider with a similar ethos. As soon as I met the leadership team, I knew Realise and Smart Energy Training were the right fit because they share our commitment to people, quality and high standards of training.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built at Brookhouse, the reputation we’ve developed and the hundreds of people we’ve helped launch careers in gas and heating. We’ve always prided ourselves on delivering training that goes above and beyond what is required.

“I feel I’ve taken the business as far as I can. This acquisition gives Brookhouse a fantastic opportunity to grow, while offering security for our team. I’m really looking forward to watching the business continue to develop in the years ahead.”

Gregg Scott, CEO of Realise Training Group, said:

“We are delighted to complete this acquisition and to welcome Brookhouse into the Group.

“This acquisition marks another important milestone in the rapid growth of Smart Energy Training, following other recent acquisitions which have strengthened our capability in the energy training sector.

“Brookhouse enables us to extend our specialist provision into the North of England, while also increasing the number of learners and employers we can support. Its exceptional record of helping people into employment is something we are keen to protect, support and build on.”

Paul Drew, Interim Director, Smart Energy Training, said:

“There is a significant skills gap across the gas and renewable energy sectors, driven by rising demand, an ageing workforce and a shrinking pool of qualified engineers.

“Brookhouse has a strong reputation for developing new entrants into the gas industry, and that expertise will be vital as we work to support employers and learners across the North of England.

“Over the coming months, we will also look to diversify the training offer available through the centre, building on its strengths in Gas Managed Learning Programmes while introducing wider opportunities across energy, renewables and related technical skills.”

Smart Energy Training recently acquired Stourbridge-based Elements Training & Assessment and Energy Training Centre in Nottingham.

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.

Realise Training Group was acquired by exam board AQA in October last year, becoming an independent subsidiary of the not-for-profit education charity.