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    Gas, Plumbing & Electrical Apprenticeships

    Our apprenticeship programs offer an exceptional opportunity to master a trade by combining hands-on training with an employer and engaging in practical and classroom sessions at our modern, well-equipped training facilities located in Burgess Hill, West Sussex and Portchester, Hampshire.

    ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP
    Level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electrician
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    GAS APPRENTICESHIP
    Level 3 Gas Operative Heating & Renewable Engineer
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    PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP
    Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician Level 3 - City & Guilds 9289
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EMPOWERING GROWTH THROUGH KNOWLEDGE

Your Path To Skill Enhancement And Professional Excellence

Steve Willis

Managing Director

I left school during times of economic uncertainty, fortunately, there was a six-month government-funded training scheme available, where I got to work with a very skilled local plumber (George Fry). The six months went well as George offered to keep me on and I completed a four-year plumbing apprenticeship. 

Over the four years of my apprenticeship, I attended Crawley College, where I developed a passion for plumbing and excelled academically (the same could not be said for my days at school!) Through my apprenticeship, I discovered a genuine interest in plumbing and enjoyed attending college. After completing my apprenticeship, I worked for George Fry before becoming self-employed. 

I received a part-time teaching opportunity from Crawley College, which I found enjoyable and completed while still being self-employed. I gradually transitioned into a full-time teaching role.  After thirteen years at the college, and ending up as Programme Manager responsible for plumbing, gas, and electrical installation I decided to set up my own training company. In the year 2000, I established Steve Willis Training Centres (SWT). This move marked a significant turning point in my career. Despite the challenges of balancing work and home life, I have never regretted my decision. Today, after 23 years, I am immensely proud of Steve Willis Training and our remarkable accomplishments.

Adam Dodson

Technical Director of GAS

I joined British Gas in 1979 as an apprentice and became a qualified engineer in 1982.

After exploring different roles, I transitioned into a position as a Technical Sales Representative. In the late 1990s, I opted for redundancy and worked briefly as a postman before securing a customer services and sales position with Dyson.

I also took on a part-time lecturing role at Brighton College. Eventually, I joined Steve Willis Training in 2001 and over the course of seven years, I transitioned into teaching.

In 2008, I became a director at Steve Willis Training, showcasing my dedication and commitment to the organisation.

Gerry Papworth

Technical Director of ELECTRICAL

I completed my apprenticeship with Penfold Electrical in 1988 and became fully qualified. I continued my studies and went on to obtain the ‘C’ course and Technicians Certificate.

In 1989, I started teaching part-time at Northbrook College whilst still working on the tools for various contracts across the Southeast of England. In 1996, an opportunity arose for a full-time teaching position at Crawley College, I was successful and became a full-time lecturer, this is where I met Steve Willis. 

Together, we established the Portchester Centre on April 1, 2006.

Whilst working at Crawley College I achieved my teacher training qualifications and was also successful in obtaining my degree. Teaching is a true honour for me, and I find great joy in it.

From small beginnings

Our company history and key dates

2000

Started Trading

Started trading in Burgess Hill, delivering Gas, Plumbing and Electrical short courses

2000

2004

Expanded

Expanded into Young House at Burgess Hill & started offering apprenticeships

2004

2006

Opened Portchester

Opened Portchester training centre (Unit 7)

2006

2010

Moved Location

Expanded into Murdoch House in Burgess Hill

2010

2011

Moved Location

Expanded into Unit 6 in Portchester

2011

2017

Register of Apprenticeship Training

Steve Willis Training joined the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers bringing independence and direct government funding

2017

2019

Gas End Point Assessment Qualification opened

EPA Centre for Gas End Point Assessment Qualification opened

2019

2023

New offerings

Expanding and delivering a new batch of renewables courses (e.g., Air Source Heat Pumps) having delivered many Solar thermal & Solar PV courses in earlier years

2023

Empowering individuals through transformative education

Steve Willis has a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and growth, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner in the journey towards personal and professional development

Steve Willis has established itself as the largest provider of Gas ACS assessments in the South-East region.

At Steve Willis we have trained about one-third of all Gas Apprentice completions in the country in 2022.

We have a diverse offering with excellent links with leading industry manufacturers e.g., Worcester Bosch, Schwank and Contactum.

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Getting In Touch

Here’s how to get in touch:

SUSSEX
Burgess Hill, RH15 8QY
Tel: 01444 870 860
what3words: loving.loft.life

HAMPSHIRE
Portchester, PO16 9RD
Tel: 02392 190 190
what3words: choice.attends.begins

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