Ambion Heating invests in Sunderland College

Sunderland College has announced a strategic partnership with leading UK-based low-carbon heating technology company Ambion Heating to launch the Ambion Heating Academy – an innovative initiative designed to equip the construction workforce with in-demand skills in sustainable heating and decarbonised technologies.

The new academy will be based at the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) – one of the Governments 10 flagship CTECs (Construction Technical Excellence Colleges) – and will provide industry-led training in low carbon space saving heating systems for flats, small homes and multi occupancy buildings.

Ambion produces a unique low carbon heating solution which is ideal alternative to heat pumps for flats and smaller properties. The system is a combination of infrared heat panels and its unique control system which completely replaces thermostats. This improves energy performance and makes the system compatible with solar and time-of-use tariffs without the need for a battery. The system also reduces damp and mould as it directly warms the fabric of the room.

Through the partnership, Ambion will bring its technology and develop expertise within the region through a train the trainer model and ensure a future-facing curriculum. As an outcome, students, apprentices and those working within the industry will gain practical experience with modern, sustainable solutions that meet evolving building and environmental standards.

Ellen Thinnesen, Chief Executive of Education Partnership North East (EPNE), which includes Sunderland College, said: “The launch of the Ambion Heating Academy is another significant milestone in HICSA, journey to become a regional gateway for construction and housing skills.

“Ambion joins a growing community of industry partners – including Northumbria University, Gentoo Group, Danish manufacturing company VELUX and Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust – who are working to ensure students and apprentices are trained to the highest standards in the latest construction and housing skills and technologies”

The Ambion Heating Academy will collocate in HICSA’s ecosystem of industry and technical education trainers, and will feature specialist training rigs, immersive demonstration zones, and digital resources allowing learners to gain skills in hearing system specification, installation and maintenance.

Oliver Baker, CEO of Ambion, said: “We are delighted to be working with the HICSA team on this game-changing project. The Sunderland area is seeing a massive commitment to upgrading the housing stock with healthy, comfortable low-carbon homes and this requires new technologies and new skills which is what HICSA will deliver. It also creates new life-chances for school leavers looking for high-quality training and sustainable careers.

“This is a huge opportunity, and we are excited to be part of it.”

This launch follows the recent announcement that Sunderland College has been named as the North East’s only Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) by the Department for Education (DfE). One of only 10 in the country, the college and HICSA will lead regional efforts to tackle construction skills shortages, raising standards, and driving economic growth.

Working alongside a network of regional spokes including Derwentside College, East Durham College, Northumberland College, South Tyneside College and Tyne Met College (Tyne Coast College), Sunderland College (City Campus) and the Education Training Collective’s Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton Riverside colleges, the Northeast CTEC will give trainees from across the region access to expert industry training and offer clear pathways into the construction sector.