AN army of boiler engineers will soon be emerging from a city firm's purpose-built academy.

Worcester Bosch is building the academy at its headquarters in Cotswold Way, Warndon, where it manufactures the market-leading "combi" boiler range.

The training academy has been developed to help installers tackle common problems and achieve trouble-free installation of boilers.

Training at the academy will cover the most frequently occurring problems and trainees will also be provided with the most advanced information to help them tackle recurring problems.

"Training has always been paramount to Worcester Bosch," said Martyn Bridges, technical manager for the firm.

"We are very proud to spearhead the market once again with the opening of this unique academy."

He said the new facility was part of a major customer service drive.

"It will help to ensure that installers and service engineers solve problems or, even better, prevent problems occurring."

The 240 sq metres training academy contains four custom-designed rooms, each of which contains up to six boiler models for practical training sessions.

"The system cleansing training room, for example, will focus on how to correctly flush a system of contaminants so a boiler works effectively and efficiently," said Mr Bridges.

"The second area focuses on electrical controls and wiring and offers installation engineers the opportunity to train to the latest building regulations on issues such as control system requirements."

He said correct flue installation and air supply was another important area of training and a room was devoted to flue positioning demonstrations.

The fourth area concentrates on the supply of fuel and offers installers practical examples of situations where the gas and oil supply needs calculating or requires attention.

The facility will also offer OFTEC training courses on oil tank installation.

"A major part of the recently introduced new building regulations is that every oil boiler installation can only be self-certified by an OFTEC registered technician," said Mr Bridges.

"Worcester Bosch is playing a leading role in this initiative."