Aira Opens it First London Training Academy

Aira, the clean energy-tech specialist, has officially opened a new Aira Academy and hub in Crayford, South London, creating 140 new green skills jobs in the local area and facilitating training for thousands over the coming decade. 

The 1300m2 Acorn Industrial Estate training facility and local area hub will extend the Swedish company’s reach across London and the South of England.

The Academy is dedicated to delivering high-quality training for the Aira sales team, designers, installers, electricians and all those involved in heat pump installations, from London to the Midlands and Cornwall to Norfolk.

Heat pumps are becoming more popular as a clean energy solution

Earlier this year, Aira’s market research found that more than one in two Londoners (52%) said that they are likely to install a heat pump in their home when renovating their home or replacing their heating system, showing a growing consumer interest in clean energy-tech solutions.

According to the Greater London Authority’s latest Energy Planning Monitoring Report, 88% of all proposed developments in the capital included heat pumps.

Aira’s new Academy will be managed by Georgia Laws, a former Ealing Council officer and international teacher who joined Aira to pursue her passion for helping homes reach net zero in an accessible, affordable and hassle-free way.

Georgia Laws, Crayford Aira Academy Manager, said: “The official opening of our Crayford Hub and Aira Academy shows our commitment to helping households across the South of England make the switch to cleaner, greener and more affordable heating.

“At our best-in-class facilities, we will focus on training individuals to become the next generation of heat pump installers and increasing the green skills workforce.

“The long-term goal is to offer people with no prior experience, or those at the start of their career, high-quality training so they too can join the Aira family and much needed clean energy revolution.”

Daniel Francis, Member of Parliament for Bexleyheath and Crayford added: “Aira will make a fantastic contribution to the local economy and community with sustainable and affordable heating solutions.

“It’s great to see them investing in the next generation of highly skilled clean energy professionals who will help to transition the region’s homes to low carbon heating.

“I look forward to following the Aira Academy’s growth and working closely with them to implement the government’s Warm Homes Plan to upgrade British homes, so they are cheaper to run and less exposed to the price shocks we have seen in recent years.”