Located on 27,000 sq ft of a newly refurbished floor at HybridTec’s headquarters in Aintree, the green academy gives apprentices of all ages - including those starting out in the industry or those looking to upskill - the opportunity to join its advanced apprenticeship training schemes, which will prioritise the development of green skills for more sustainable jobs.

The green academy aims to help the smooth transition to a more environmentally-friendly economy, helping workplaces meet the demand for green skilled workers, and adding to the 680 businesses HybridTec has already serviced with fully qualified apprentices throughout the last 12 months.

The academy is expected to welcome 140 apprentices and over 1,000 experienced heating engineers looking to upskill in the latest green technologies in its first year alone. Its curriculum covers air source and ground source heat pumps, solar thermal hot water, and underfloor heating.

Sophie Gilmore, Managing Director at HybridTec, said: “We are firmly aligned with the ambitions of Mayor Rotheram and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in leading the way to achieving net zero by 2040, and I am extremely proud that our innovative new green academy will contribute to the vital upskilling of tradespeople in the latest sustainable technologies across the region.

“The green academy demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the net zero agenda - and will prepare a future workforce for careers in the green economy, ensuring no one in our industry is left behind.”

Officially opening the green academy, Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “If trains, docks and canals made our area a leader in the First Industrial Revolution, then I believe our world-leading strengths and natural assets in wind, tidal and hydrogen can make us a leader in the Green Industrial Revolution – and I want to ensure we’re in the best position to attract the many thousands of green jobs and training opportunities it will bring.

“I’ve set our region the ambitious target to reach net zero by 2040 – at least a decade ahead of national government targets – and I believe we have the skills, capabilities, and political will, to smash that goal.

“To help us get there, we need local organisations, like HybridTec, to match our ambition by creating the training opportunities that will give our residents the skills they need to succeed in a key industry of the future.”

Alan Wilcox, Heating Engineer at HybridTec, aged 66, attended HybridTec to upskill in the new green tech. He said: “When I was training as an engineer, it was different. But now, everything’s changed - the training provided is really educational.

“There’s no age limit either, it doesn't matter how old you are as long as you’re willing to put in a bit of time. We never stop learning, no matter how old you are - there’s always new things like this new low carbon heating technology, which is great.

“It’s exciting how the Government is investing in this new technology, meaning it’s important for workers of all ages to sign up to the courses here at HybridTec and invest in their skills.”

Oliver Rudd, aged 19, apprentice at HybridTec, said: “Learning and working alongside older peers has definitely had a positive impact on me. They share their industry knowledge and experience. They also take a real pride in their work and their level of professionalism is something I aspire to.”