Leading LPG and LNG provider Flogas Britain held an open day at their National Training Academy in Avonmouth on 7 September 2021. The open day was held to celebrate and showcase the Academy’s achievements over the past 2 years and look ahead at the future of training provision for the industry.
Based at Flogas’ depot in Avonmouth – and just a short distance from its LPG storage terminal in Hallen – the training academy, is a centre of excellence for LPG vessel installation, vessel maintenance, and delivery of product. The academy’s main objective is to support the training needs of its 1000 plus strong workforce across all functions within the business, such as sales teams, operations, and technical services. Flogas is focused on developing and retaining its staff whilst also attracting future recruits and apprentices. Over 250 people have been through the academy to date.
Lee added: “It’s not only an investment in our people, but more importantly in our customers too. We want to make sure they continue to receive the very best service from Flogas – whether that’s from the engineer that installs their tank, the driver that delivers their fuel or the representative they speak to on the phone. That’s why we’ve made sure our training focuses on all functions in the business that are responsible for delivering a positive customer experience.”
Our facility was born out of a business commitment to ensure staff are trained to the highest of standards and supported in continuing to develop their skillsets as the business and its services grow and evolve.
Lee Gannon – Flogas Managing Director
The academy – the only one of its kind in the UK – is also fitted with a wide array of tanks and high-quality specialist equipment, making it a hands-on training ground for Flogas’ team of technicians and apprentices. The academy acts as a hub for attracting apprentices to the team – a key initiative for Flogas. Inviting up to a dozen trainees to join its apprenticeship scheme each year, the business provides a 24-month intensive programme, equipping attendees with the knowledge and skills they need to obtain correct levels of certification, along with on-the-job training and a full-time position at the company.
“As a business, it’s crucial we look ahead and ensure we’re bringing in fresh new talent into the fold – and this is particularly true with our Mechanical & Electrical technicians and HGV drivers. Our trainees are taught by the very best tutors, and now – thanks to the training academy – their practical training takes place using the highest quality facilities available. Everything we do is geared towards them achieving the certification they need to improve their long-term career prospects within the business.” said Lee.
David Taylor, Commercial Director at Flogas, talked to attendees about the role the academy has to play in reaching net zero by 2050 and how it’s helping to create a highly skilled workforce, fit for the future to support the transition to developing technologies. Mr Taylor explained that the facility will also evolve to incorporate training on future fuels and energy systems. He said: “It’s very important that all our training at the academy is not only focussed on the equipment and fuel types we use now, but their skills and competencies are also preparing them and the industry, for the changes that are to come, providing long term prospects and development.”