Ideal Heating opens new Expert Academy Training Centre in Portishead
Posted by: electime 3rd December 2025
State-of-the-art facility developed in partnership with James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies will support heating professionals across the South West.
Ideal Heating is set to open its fifth Expert Academy training centre, a brand-new purpose-built facility in Portishead, near Bristol. Developed in partnership with James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies, the new centre will bring industry-leading training and hands-on experience to heating engineers and installers across the South West.
Conveniently located just off the M5, the site offers easy access for installers travelling from Cardiff, Worcester, Reading and Exeter, making it more simple than ever to upskill in low-carbon heating technologies without travelling long distances.
The Portishead centre will deliver a comprehensive range of courses, from nationally recognised qualifications in air source heat pumps and hydronic system design, to domestic product training on Ideal Heating’s latest solutions. To support the industry’s transition to renewable technologies, many of the courses will be subsidised or fully funded, helping more installers gain the skills needed for the UK’s journey to Net Zero.
Designed around real-world learning, the facility features fully operational heat pump systems and thermodynamic training rigs. Trainees will gain practical, hands-on experience with the very latest equipment in a modern, professional setting – reflecting Ideal Heating’s commitment to building installer confidence and capability.
Andrew Johnson, Training and Design Services Director at Ideal Heating, said:
“We’re delighted to be opening our fifth Expert Academy, and especially proud to be doing so in partnership with James Hargreaves. This fantastic new facility will make it easier for heating professionals across the South West to access our award-winning training and build their knowledge in low-carbon technologies.
It’s another important step in expanding our national training network and supporting the growing number of installers who are ready to make the move to heat pumps.”
Martin Healy, National Branch Director at James Hargreaves Ltd added:
“We’re proud to be partnering with Ideal Heating to bring the new Expert Academy centre to life. Training and supporting installers is so important, and this facility takes that to the next level. It’s fantastic to see such a modern, hands-on space that will help local engineers build their confidence with heat pumps and low-carbon technologies.”
Ideal Heating’s Expert Academy network is now one of the largest heat pump training programmes in the UK, with more than 30 locations nationwide – including flagship centres in Hull, Leeds, Luton and Scotland – and 25 satellite sites. Together, they provide the skills and confidence needed to deliver high-quality, low-carbon installations across the country.
The Portishead centre is set to open late November 2025, with courses beginning shortly afterwards.
To find out more or register interest, visit www.expert-academy.co.uk
