Founded in 2022 by industry veterans Gareth Hassall and Matt Ramsell, Staffordshire Training Services set out with a clear mission: to deliver high-quality, future-facing training in the gas and renewable energy sectors.
Less than two years later, that mission has earned national recognition — winning the LCL Award for Innovation and being shortlisted for the Green Centre Award.
At the centre of this success is their pioneering use of Metaverse Learning’s immersive augmented reality (AR) training, which brings a new dimension to both theoretical and practical learning.
The Challenge: Pushing Beyond Standard Training
As a private training centre, Gareth and Matt wanted to offer learners something more than traditional classroom and workshop instruction. Their goals were clear:
- Push the boundaries of training delivery with cutting-edge technology
- Provide safe yet realistic environments to practise skills
- Support the growing demand for low-carbon and renewable heating training
- Offer flexible, accessible learning options beyond in-person sessions
Gareth explains: “I was keen to push innovation and develop a way to supplement the theoretical and practical training we deliver in-house. I wanted learners to experience what it’s like working in the real world from the safety of the centre.”
The Solution: Immersive AR Scenarios
Working with Metaverse Learning, the Staffordshire Training team developed a bespoke AR training package that integrates seamlessly into their courses.
Accessible via PC or tablet (as well as VR headsets), the platform enables learners to:
- Practise health & safety awareness, PPE use, and safe working at heights
- Handle access equipment and prepare for on-site environments
- Work through air and ground source heat pump system design, installation, commissioning, and fault finding
- Interact with virtual customers to develop communication and problem-solving skills
- Complete built-in knowledge checks to identify learning gaps
Progress is tracked in detail, providing tutors with insights and giving learners six months of continued access after qualification for on-the-job support.
Gareth notes: “I’d say that our augmented reality training makes up around 10% of the total learning experience, and it works very well for the delivery of core modules such as health and safety awareness… providing plenty of ways to stretch and challenge our candidates.”
The Impact: Confidence, Recognition, and Industry Praise
The introduction of AR has already delivered significant benefits:
- Improved learner confidence through safe practice
- Better preparation for on-site work in renewable technologies
- A competitive advantage as a training provider
- Recognition from industry leaders
The LCL Awards judging panel summed it up best: “This is a brilliant way to put learners into real situations but keep them safe at the same time. AR can be used to create any scenario, to help with problem solving.”
Beyond the Classroom: Building Partnerships
Staffordshire Training’s commitment to innovation doesn’t stop at AR. They continue to collaborate with partners across the region, including:
- Heat Engineer – providing real-life property scenarios for heat loss calculations and low-temperature system design
- Staffordshire Providers Network – sharing best practice with colleges and independent training providers
- Jones and Shuffs – offering green tech training at the merchant’s sustainable home facility
- Midlands Net Zero Hub – leading regional efforts to upskill gas engineers and plumbers into renewable heating technologies
As Gareth puts it: “Community is important to us… This has enabled installers in the region, looking to upskill into the green technology market, the chance to learn skills for the future in an environment they trust.”
Looking Ahead
For Gareth and Matt, the Innovation Award is both a validation of their work and a motivation to go further.
“Winning this award and being shortlisted for the Green Award is a real endorsement of the work we do. It’s important that we are seen as a centre that can be counted on… I’m thrilled to have won the Innovation Award and feel that this validation will help us move forward with our plans.”
By blending expert instruction with immersive AR technology, Staffordshire Training Services is redefining vocational training in the heating and renewable energy sectors — preparing learners for the challenges of tomorrow before they even step onto site.
Want to experience the future of training? Contact us today to learn more about our innovative courses.
