The Verdancy Group is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Apex Training Centre in Basingstoke which has supported almost 100 people to gain skills in solar panel installation. The Verdancy Group is a member of Fedcap.
The centre, based at Intec Business Park, offers a comprehensive 12-week industry-led course designed to prepare individuals for careers in solar photovoltaics installation and operations, with no prior experience required.
Learners engage in hands-on technical training, develop employability skills, and earn accredited certifications, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in this rapidly growing industry.
Basingstoke MP Luke Murphy returned to the centre, one year after he officially opened it. He met with local employers and Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce along with recent graduates who had previously been looking for employment on the Department for Work and Pensions’ Restart Scheme and are now working full-time as solar panel installers.
Luke Murphy MP said: “It was a real privilege to visit Apex Training Centre and see first-hand the fantastic work being done to equip local people with the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.
“Having somewhere in Basingstoke that offers high-quality, affordable training in solar installation, construction and the wider clean construction sector is a tremendous asset for our community. As we transition to a cleaner economy, it’s vital that local people have access to the opportunities and skills that will enable them to build rewarding, long-term careers.
“It was especially inspiring to meet trainees alongside graduates who have already gone on to secure good, future-focused jobs. Their success demonstrates the real impact these programmes are having, not only for individuals and their families, but for our local economy as well.”
He met with Luke Hargreaves, 38, who has been working as a self-employed solar panel installer since he graduated from Apex Training Centre eight months ago.
Luke Hargreaves said: “I’d had a number of minimum wage jobs that were going nowhere. I wanted to progress but lacked enthusiasm for what I was doing. I hadn’t considered a career in solar and when Fedcap introduced me to Apex Training Centre it sounded interesting. I attended an open day and liked what I saw.
“I’m now self-employed and earning more money and doing what I enjoy a whole lot more. I’m pleased to come back and support the centre – it helped me so much and I’d like to see it succeed.”
Steven Kiakowski, Director of Green Skills at The Verdancy Group, said: “We were delighted to once again host Luke Murphy MP at the Apex Training Centre so he could see first-hand the progress our graduates are making out in real-world jobs.
“In the last year we have opened a second Apex Training Centre in Hamilton, Scotland and in Basingstoke we have expanded the number of courses that are addressing the critical skills gap and enabling individuals to access sustainable, high-quality careers, including those part-funded through the Government’s Warm Homes Skills Programme.”
Phil Grant, Account Manager for Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Apex Training Centre event was a great reminder that when opportunity is matched with the right support, incredible things can happen. What stood out most was the determination, resilience and talent in the room, and the dedication of the team helping people build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards their future.
“Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce looks forward to supporting this work by engaging our business community to create opportunities, open doors and help more people realise their potential.”
The following courses are available at Apex Training Centre in Basingstoke:
- LCL Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Small Scale Solar PV Systems (part funded by the Government’s Warm Homes Skills Programme)
- Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points
- Design, Installation and Commissioning of Electrical Energy Storage Systems
- Solar PV Installation for Roofers – Short Course
For more information and to book places visit Courses – The Verdancy Group