Baxi Heating, which includes Andrews Water Heaters and Potterton Commercial, is celebrating the launch of its new Commercial Training Academy.

Guided by in-depth research into attitudes and expectations regarding training, the Academy has been launched to ensure heating engineers can refine their skills and gain practical experience in a real-world environment.

All product training is free and course content is tailored to the specific needs of the audience. For example, sessions geared towards contractors will be more hands-on and cover practical tips about installation, commissioning and maintenance of key product ranges. There is also bespoke training for distributors which will focus identifying the correct appliance for their customers’ requirements.

In addition to an updated course curriculum, there is also an new online booking system whereby installers can browse the available courses, view more information, make a new booking and manage their existing bookings. They will also receive email reminders for upcoming bookings, making it easier than ever to fit learning around a busy schedule.

Every person who books and attends a training course between now and 1 June 2018 will receive a complimentary branded softshell jacket to take home, as well as notebooks, pens, USB sticks and course materials.

Mark Lovegrove, Commercial Training Manager, commented: “We would encourage anyone working in the commercial heating sector to sign up to our free training courses, and we have made it easier than ever to do so. Attending a course will build confidence in working with our products, which will not only benefit them but also result in a better service for the end-user. They also get the opportunity to network with their peers, share knowledge and experiences, and potentially form new business relationships."

Paul Hull, director of P R Hull Plumbing & Heating Ltd and founder of Gas Safety Superheroes, said: “When it comes to improving gas safety, manufacturer training courses are paramount. It’s not enough just to become accredited and start doing gas work; engineers should make sure they know everything about the products they’re working with. Some may think they don’t have the time to take a day out of work to attend a training course, but it’s a small price to pay to keep customers safe.

“I recently attended one of Potterton Commercial’s training courses as I hadn’t worked with their products for a few years and wanted to get back up to speed. It was really useful; Mark, the trainer, was very knowledgeable and more than happy to answer any questions I had.”