EAL (Excellence, Achievement & Learning) is a specialist awarding organisation for engineering and building services qualifications. Accreditation enables BESA Academy to submit its programmes for EAL approval, offering assurance to learners, employers, and regulators that its courses meet rigorous industry standards.

Initial courses to be submitted for approval include Heat Networks 1: Installation and Maintenance and the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS). These programmes are designed to meet industry requirements and government-backed standards, supporting the safe and effective delivery of low-carbon heat network projects across the UK.

The announcement follows increasing pressure on the building services sector to demonstrate competence and compliance under the Building Safety Act and wider regulatory reform. As part of BESA’s Competence and Compliance strategy, the Academy aims to deliver practical and accessible training that is aligned with current legislation, technologies, and industry best practices.

Jill Nicholls, Director of Competence and Compliance at BESA, said: “Achieving EAL accredited Centre status marks an important milestone in the Academy’s journey. It reinforces our commitment to supporting the industry with credible, robust training that helps individuals and businesses meet their obligations under the Building Safety Act. This accreditation gives learners and employers confidence that the qualifications we offer meet recognised national standards and directly contribute to improving competence and safety across the built environment.”

Gareth Williams, Global Sales Manager at EAL, said: “We are pleased to welcome BESA Academy as an EAL accredited Centre. BESA has a long-standing reputation for championing quality and professionalism in the building engineering services sector. We look forward to supporting the Academy as it develops training that helps raise standards, improves safety, and equips the workforce with the skills needed for the future.”