Britain’s most advanced renewable training centre officially launches on 17 June 2011. The launch will also act as an open day for those who wish to visit the centre as it truly showcases Trade Skills 4U’s dedication to training. The centre provides candidates with purpose built facilities to train domestic installers and electricians in real and relevant scenarios to prepare for the renewable revolution.

The open day itinerary includes seminars from their partners, live demonstrations of renewable installation and a presentation from guest speaker, Simon Weston OBE, a name well-known for his time in the Falklands. Weston’s fight to overcome horrific burn injuries and redefine his role in life after the Falklands War is an example of the incredible bravery shown by Britain’s Heroes as we continue to fight for our country.

Simon will tell of his achievement and present the companies first bursary place launching TS4U’s forgotten hero’s bursary scheme.

The Crawley-based training provider reserves a place each week for ‘forgotten heroes’ which have slipped through the resettlement net and hopes to provide free and discounted training for those in need of a new career path.

‘We are not a huge company and can’t offer free training to everyone that is eligible so we have to select and prioritise those able to take the free training, based on need,’ says Carl Bennett, Managing Director of TS4U.

The day will also be an eye opener for those who are confused by the Renewable energy industry with seminars from partners Easy MCS, Stroma and Eco Tube. These highly regarded companies within the industry will explain accreditation, Feed in Tariffs and installation. Following the theme, the 100% electric car, the Nissan leaf, will be making an appearance as the company will be attempting to charge the car via a solar array.

“The renewable energy market is growing so quickly that there is a real need for qualified installers,” Carl Bennett stressed. That’s why Trade Skills 4U is working hard to create the best facilities for candidates to train on.

TS4U Trainees will have the advantage of being able to learn how to install photovoltaic (PV) systems on a purpose-built single-storey timber-framed house, constructed next to the training centre’s main building, located on Manor Royal Industrial Estate.

“Our goal is to enable a trainee to finish the training on a Friday, confident, competent and compliant to complete an installation the following Monday, hassle-free”, said Carl Bennett, Managing Director of TS4U.

Only 1,500 renewable energy electricians are currently registered in the UK but research by the Department of Climate Change predicts that there will be 7 million PV installations by 2020, requiring up to 50,000 accredited installers.

The facility opened for training courses earlier this year, providing fully qualified instructors with hands-on practical workshops and theory lessons with delegates obtaining registration and accreditation from governing bodies such as City & Guilds, NICEIC, BPEC, EAL, trading standards and ELC. The solar PV courses are a key step into becoming MCS accredited.

“We have a modern approach to training,” added Chloe Bennett. “Our collaboration with PV panel manufacturers ensures that we have developed an appropriate training package for trainees.”

TS4U trained more than 3,000 (now qualified) domestic installers across the UK last year and it runs the first training centre in the UK to offer “at-height training on a single- storey roof” at the leading edge fully specified Manor Royal site.

”Candidates gain invaluable experience of not only working at height but also how to use equipment such as gin wheels and pulleys – an aspect of training that some companies may cut back on,” Chloe Bennett said.

TS4U instructor Mark Turner, who completed his training with the company, said: “Those who want a career change should grab opportunities like this. The courses equip you for the future, whether you choose electrics or renewable energy. You’ll be glad you did it, I am.”

Sales Manager for Event Sponsor Easy MCS, Thomas Farquhar comments “We are pleased to be supporting one of the UK’s leading training providers, Trade Skills 4 U in their open day. The facilities at their crawley based centre are unrivalled and we highly recommend their courses to all installers looking to enter the industry. Easy MCS will be giving a talk on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, the benefits of MCS Accreditation and the route to successful MCS Certification”.

To register for the event on 17th June, call Trade Skills 4 U on 01293 529777