Herts Energy Academy

Herts Energy Academy: technical training in gas, plumbing and renewable energy

Herts Energy Academy is a training and assessment centre based in Welham Green, Hatfield (United Kingdom), specialising in qualifications for the gas, plumbing, heat pump and heat interface unit (HIU) sectors. Its offer combines centre-based classroom training, online study and on-site work experience with a Gas Safe registered engineer.

ACS Gas Courses and Access Programme

The centre delivers ACS Gas courses for new entrants, changeover and reassessment. The Managed Learning Programme (MLP) is accredited and leads to the Pathway to Gas qualification, which provides access to ACS assessments. Once the ACS exams are passed, the learner obtains the nationally recognised ACS certificate, a requirement to register with the Gas Safe Register and work legally as a gas engineer in the UK.

The programme covers plumbing, gas and heating theory; health and safety (safe use of tools, asbestos, legionella, manual handling and fire safety); installation and maintenance of gas pipework; gas legislation, building regulations and British Standards; tightness testing, measurement and interpretation of gas pressures and heat input calculation; operation of boilers, water heaters, cookers and fires, including safety controls, flueing and combustion; electrical isolation and control systems for wet central heating (S-Plan and Y-Plan layouts); energy efficiency; and preparation for the Core Domestic Gas Safety (CCN1) and CENWAT assessments.

Training pathway and delivery methods

Training is structured into online study modules, face-to-face sessions at the centre and an on-site placement with a Gas Safe registered engineer. Before the placement, preparation workshops are delivered on safety protocols, portfolio evidence recording and handling common situations. Upon completing the portfolio, the learner returns to the centre for a practical assessment and subsequently takes the final ACS assessments.

The full programme lasts approximately six months full-time or twelve months on Saturdays. The company states that this route is faster than a traditional apprenticeship, which can extend over several years.

Heat pumps, HIUs and other qualifications

In addition to gas courses, Herts Energy Academy offers training in air source and ground source heat pumps, heat pump design, heat interface units (HIUs) and plumbing. It also announces electrical courses as coming soon. After passing the ACS exams, the learner can complete qualifications in vented and unvented hot water systems, water regulations, heat pumps and heat interface units.

Career opportunities

According to the centre's information, graduates can work on domestic boilers, water heaters, cookers, hobs, fires and wall heaters, as well as central heating systems, combi boilers and hot water systems. The company presents the gas engineer profession as one of the best paid in the UK, with opportunities in installation, maintenance and servicing of domestic and commercial systems.

Location and contact

6, Alpha Business Park, Travellers Cl, Welham Green, Hatfield AL9 7NT, UK · Phone: 01707 953315 · Email: enquiries@hertsenergy.co.uk