UK: Air conditioning manufacturer LG is to provide the equipment for an LG Academy at Oldham College.
The Academy will form part of a new innovation Centre at the College which already benefits from equipment supplied by the Korean manufacturer for training purpose at its Green Technology Centre.

LG's Richard Scott who is the main point of contact with the College says: 'LG's commitment to Oldham College is ongoing and the construction, now well under way, of a new Innovation Centre will house a fully equipped LG Academy. It is a logical step underlining LG's commitment to producing quality 'green' products and training in these new technologies.

'Students will be able to get hands-on experience working on the latest technology including LG's Therma-V air to water heat pump. Therma V is part of LG's energy efficient product line-up that includes the Multi-V air conditioning system, Hydro Kit.'

John Eley, green technology project manager at Oldham College, welcomed LG's involvement and says: 'It is imperative that the workforce is trained in renewables technology sooner rather than later. Going forward, the Green Deal with the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will stimulate demand for green LG products such as its heat pumps, for example. We are already working with the company to provide training on LG products for installers to acquire additional skills and learn how to perform quality installations and maintenance on the new technologies. We also provide MCS training.'

'There is an immediate need to 'upskill' a workforce that is still largely entrenched in fossil fuel technology as well as training youngsters just coming into the industry. It is a big challenge; LG has been extremely proactive and we are looking forward to the opening of the LG Academy.'

Courses currently offered by the Centre include Renewable Energy Awareness, Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Ground and Air Source Heat Pump Systems, Solar Domestic Hot Water and Rainwater as well as Greywater harvesting and recycling. The courses are attracting experienced building service engineers, hvac installers and construction workers looking to enhance their knowledge of renewable energy technologies.