Knauf Insulation has opened its ThermoShell Training Academy in Birmingham to upskill contractors who wish to install its ThermoShell Internal Wall Insulation (IWI) and External Wall Insulation (EWI).

As part of the Green Deal, there is an increased emphasis on upgrading the thermal performance of the 6.6 million solid wall properties in the UK. Knauf Insulation's new academy enables builders, heating engineers and solar panel installers to learn the skills they need to take advantage of the Green Deal.

Each course consists of a full day of training, with delegates having a theoretical workshop in the morning followed by a practical session in the afternoon. After attending the course, the tradesmen will have permission to install Knauf Insulation’s systems but will only become fully accredited once they have completed three installations that are checked and verified by a Knauf Insulation regional technical manager (RTM).

The RTM will observe and help with any problems the installers have while fitting the systems. Additionally, they will visit installers on a quarterly basis to make sure everything is still running smoothly.

Craig O’Donnell, business development manager – residential refurbishment for Knauf Insulation, said: "We have already had a high level of interest and praise for the course. With the sheer volume of work to be done around the country on upgrading solid wall properties, it presents a huge new business opportunity and from an installer's perspective it makes sense to be in a position to provide as many services as possible. Offering to upgrade a home's thermal performance seems a logical step and one that presents great awards."

For more information please visit www.knaufinsulation.co.uk.