Smart Energy Training, part of Realise Training Group, has continued its rapid growth with the acquisition of a Northampton-based building services engineering training specialist, EAS Mechanical.

The acquisition completed on Friday 14 August for an undisclosed sum and marks the fifth purchase completed by Smart Energy Training in 2026. It follows the acquisitions of Energy Training Centre in Nottingham, Elements Training & Assessment in Stourbridge, Brookhouse in Yorkshire and SWAT Gas in Redditch.

The deal strengthens Smart Energy Training’s national footprint, expanding its provision across plumbing, heating and gas qualifications while adding electrical qualifications to its portfolio.

Founded by Eamon Wilson in 2009, EAS Mechanical supports more than 180 apprentices each week through its dedicated training facility in Northampton. The business was established to address the lack of high-quality training options for both new entrants and experienced engineers and has grown from supporting just seven apprentices a week to becoming one of the most respected providers in its field.

Today, EAS Mechanical offers apprenticeships in Domestic Plumbing and Heating, Electrotechnical, and Building Services Engineering (Heating and Ventilation), as well as the Gas Technician qualification and ad hoc commercial courses.

The existing team of expert trainers will remain with the business, and all future courses will continue to run as scheduled.

Eamon said: “Selling EAS Mechanical was not an easy decision, but I am convinced this is the right move for the business, the people within it and the learners we serve.

“I am immensely proud of the team and culture we have created. Smart Energy Training recognises our strength, and this deal will allow the business to grow, while securing everyone’s future.

“Smart Energy Training is an exceptional operator, and EAS Mechanical is in safe hands.”

Gregg Scott, CEO of Realise Training Group, said: “We are delighted to have completed this acquisition and to bring EAS Mechanical into the Group.

“EAS Mechanical is very well respected in the industry and has a fantastic facility in Northampton that it has grown from the ground up. We look forward to working with the strong leadership team and exceptional trainers to develop the business further.

“This acquisition means we now have seven modern training centres for plumbing, [PD1] electrical, gas and green skills - alongside Ashbourne, Lutterworth, Nottingham, Stourbridge, Redditch and Cleckheaton under the Smart Energy Training umbrella - with further plans for expansion as we help to ensure the nation has the skilled engineers to cope with the transition to greener energy.”

Paul Drew, Director of Smart Energy Training, said: “This acquisition not only diversifies Smart Energy Training’s offer into electrical, but also expands our core offer geographically.

“And, with the national apprenticeship changes, Smart Energy Training will be well placed to support more SME employers and provide additional course and curriculum choices for learners aged 16-24.”

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 Smart Energy Training’s website for more information.