Smart Energy Training has continued its rapid growth with the acquisition of Energy Training Centre.

Leading gas, plumbing and heating training provider Smart Energy Training completed the purchase of the Nottingham business and facility today for an undisclosed fee.

The deal supports Smart Energy Training’s growth strategy by increasing its geographical footprint, while offering learners in Nottingham access to enhanced resources and opportunities.

In the coming months, the modern, fully equipped centre on Whitemoor Court will start offering domestic gas courses, air source heat pump training and apprenticeship programmes alongside its existing domestic and commercial gas qualifications.

Smart Energy Training is part of the Realise Training Group, one of the fastest growing training organisations in the country.

Gregg Scott, CEO of Smart Energy Training, said: “We are delighted to have completed this exciting acquisition of Energy Training Centre, a well-respected, fully equipped facility in an excellent location.

“This acquisition means Smart Energy Training now has three centres in the East Midlands – in Ashbourne, Lutterworth and Nottingham - with further plans for expansion as we help to ensure the nation has the skilled engineers to cope with the transition to greener energy.

“Existing learners will remain on their current programme and, by becoming part of a larger organisation, they will now have access to increased resources, broader expertise and enhanced support.

“For suppliers, this move will bring added benefits and strengthen our working relationships, helping us to deliver even greater value.”

Energy Training Centre was formed in 2011 offering a variety of courses, including Commercial Natural Gas, Domestic Natural Gas, LPG, Meters, Vented / Unvented Hot Water Cylinders and Water Regulations.

Energy Training Centre attracts learners from across the country, with around 400 people taking part in courses each year.

Founder Ken Powell, who has been in the gas industry for 48 years, said: “I believe this will allow the business to strengthen and to develop into something new and exciting.

“I have had a brilliant time running the centre for the last 15 years and I’d like to thank all the people who have supported us, including everyone who has returned regularly for recertification and all our suppliers.

“I believe now is the right time to step aside and enjoy retirement, particularly as the industry transitions to greener technologies.”

To help deliver the enhanced training offering following the acquisition, new roles will be advertised in the Nottingham area shortly.

Since launching in 2016, Smart Energy Training – previously known as Smart Gas – has trained more than 1,500 engineers, including nearly 300 apprentices after becoming an approved apprenticeship training centre in 2020.

A Level 3 Low carbon heating engineer apprenticeship has recently been added to Smart Energy Training’s offering, aimed at teaching the skills needed for the future.

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.

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

Visit www.smartenergytraining.co.uk for more information.