Ellis Training Works

Ellis Training Works: specialist refrigeration and HVAC training in Hertfordshire

Ellis Training Works is a training provider focused on refrigeration, F-Gas, air conditioning, flame brazing and heat pump training. The company was founded in 1991 by John Ellis and operates from a training centre at The Old Methodist Church in Watton at Stone, Hertfordshire. Its website describes it as one of the industry's most respected names in these fields and states that it has built a reputation for excellence both domestically and internationally over more than 30 years.

Courses and assessment areas

The course catalogue is organised around five main technical areas, plus bespoke options:

• F-Gas courses
• Refrigeration courses and training
• Air conditioning courses
• Electric courses
• Flame brazing courses
• Air source heat pump courses
• Bespoke training

The company presents these as a comprehensive range of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump training and assessment packages. Its editorial content also addresses related qualification topics, such as F-Gas Category 1 versus Category 2, City & Guilds F-Gas certification renewal and expiration, and the qualifications needed to install air conditioning in the UK.

Founder and industry involvement

John Ellis, the managing director, is described as an industry pioneer whose influence as a trainer and adviser extends nationally and internationally. According to the company, he has served on several leading industry bodies, including as the longest-serving President of the Institute of Refrigeration in recent years and as Chairman of the Air Conditioning Refrigeration Industry Board. He has also worked with City & Guilds since the early 1980s and is a consultant to the Trailblazer team responsible for the latest Apprenticeship qualification. The website states that he translated the F-Gas legislation document and created the F-Gas qualification as it is known today. In 2008 he received the RAC Gold Award for his campaigning work on refrigerant handling standards. Internationally, the company reports that he was a key player in the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, training trainers to ensure developing countries had relevant standards for the safe handling of refrigerants and the phase-out of ODS. His background includes service as a refrigeration engineer and trade instructor in the Corps of Royal Engineers, lecturing in further education and heading the School of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning at Willesden College of Technology.

Training team

The team combines technical and teaching experience. Joy Ellis is Finance and Sales Director and has worked alongside John for 27 years. Ben Burton, a trainer, holds a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering and a Diploma in Industrial Studies; he spent nine years with a major national air conditioning manufacturer before joining the family firm in 2009. He has completed City & Guilds 2079 F-Gas and 2081 Air Conditioning Installation & Commissioning, and has since earned a Professional Graduate Certificate of Education, a Level 3 Diploma in RAC&HP, and qualifications as an Assessor and Internal Verifier. Tish McDermott, also a trainer, qualified as a teacher in 2004 and held senior management roles before joining; she is degree and F-Gas qualified and is working towards her Internal Verifier qualification. Sam Burton is the administrator, with a BA in European Studies with Spanish and an MA in Business Law, and prior experience as a Grants Officer and in contracts, finance and operations management.

New training centre in Watton at Stone

On 27 May the company opened a new training centre at Watton at Stone, from where it delivers all its courses. The site is identified as The Old Methodist Church, 54 High Street, Watton at Stone, Hertfordshire SG14 3SY. The company also lists a fax number, 01707 879 877, alongside its main telephone line.

Client feedback and published resources

The website includes testimonials from course participants. Stephen Hitchcock of Icicle Services Limited commented on a positive result and the training methods; Rick Baxter of Natural AC LTD praised the standard of the F-Gas course; Sam Burger of Selex Galileo described the lecturers as friendly and helpful and the facilities as superb; Chris Clarke of Sutton Cooling Services Ltd said the training had increased his confidence; and Dan Briscoe highlighted the teaching on a five-day F-Gas course. The site also publishes articles on topics such as air conditioning qualifications in the UK, fast-track air conditioning courses, starting a career in refrigeration and air conditioning, essential RACHP tools, heat pump systems and trends in air conditioning technology.