Energy training firm expands provision with acquisition of 10-year-old Stourbridge business

Smart Energy Training, part of Realise Training Group, has expanded its gas, plumbing, heating and renewable energy offering into the West Midlands with the acquisition of a successful Stourbridge-based provider.

The purchase of Elements Training & Assessment was completed on May 8 for an undisclosed sum.

The 10-year-old business, which offers an array of plumbing, heating and gas courses, will now operate under Realise’s growing Smart Energy Training division.

Gregg Scott, CEO of Realise Training Group, said: “We are delighted to complete this acquisition and to bring Elements Training & Assessment into the Group.

“The business has an excellent reputation for delivering high quality training with experienced trainers. Now with the backing and expertise of Realise, Elements Training & Assessment will continue to grow and thrive, allowing more people in the West Midlands to either upskill or join the sector for the first time.

“Alongside our existing sites in Ashbourne, Lutterworth, Nottingham, this acquisition means we now have four modern training centres for plumbing, heating, ventilation and gas under the Smart Energy Training umbrella.”

Paul Drew, interim director of Smart Energy Training, said: “The acquisition of Elements Training underscores our commitment to supporting the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), addressing the region’s evolving skills needs. This strategic move aligns with the combined authority’s ambition to deliver a carbon-neutral future by developing a workforce equipped for high-demand sectors such as electric vehicles (EV), solar energy, and air source heat pumps.

“Through this partnership we will collaborate closely with industry leaders, including E.ON and Worcester Bosch, to support local projects and strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals. Together, these efforts will help meet growing demand for green skills and trades, driving job creation while contributing to meaningful environmental impact across the region.

“We have further plans for expansion in this growth sector.”

Elements Training & Assessment was launched in 2016 by Matthew Stonehouse and his dad Ian.

Operating from its modern facilities on Stambermill Industrial Estate in Timmis Road, the BPEC-accredited provider offers a range of plumbing courses including domestic vented and unvented hot water storage systems, warm water underfloor heating systems and core domestic natural gas safety CCN1.

The business has three employees, including founders Matthew and Ian, and four sub-contractors, all of whom will remain in post.

Between 300 and 400 learners receive training each year, with people attending primarily from the West Midlands but also further afield.

The Stourbridge training centre has five classrooms, 20 training areas and six assessment areas.

Matthew said: “We are delighted to join forces with one of the country’s premier training providers. This move will strengthen our offering, allowing us to introduce new qualifications and to help more learners.

“My dad and I launched Elements Training & Assessment as we felt the area was lacking quality training provision. I am very proud of what we have achieved and the reputation we have built, helping hundreds of people fulfil their potential and working with household names in the heating and gas industry.

“This investment will allow us to grow far bigger and far stronger than we could on our own. We are delighted that Smart Energy Training shares our vision and we are very excited for the future.”

Smart Energy Training became part of the Realise Training Group in March last year. Realise is one of the largest training providers in the UK, offering apprenticeships and adult skills programmes to more than 18,500 people each year.

It is actively looking to expand through acquisitions and has recently brought Tidal Training and Energy Training Centre into the Group.

Meanwhile, Realise Training Group was acquired by exam board AQA in October last year, becoming an independent subsidiary of the not-for-profit education charity.