HULL – Manufacturer Ideal Heating is celebrating a major milestone in its commitment to inspiring the next generation, thanks to the determination and drive of its apprentices.
The UK’s leading specialist in domestic and commercial heating, Ideal Heating has become a Bronze Partner of Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Children’s University. The partnership was secured following an ambitious fundraising effort led by four of the company’s engineering services apprentices.
To mark the achievement, Ideal hosted a business experience day at its National Avenue headquarters in Hull for 30 Year Five pupils from Alderman Cogan CofE Primary Academy. The day included a behind-the-scenes tour of Ideal’s manufacturing operations, interactive sessions showcasing career opportunities, and inspiring talks delivered by the apprentices themselves.
HEY Children’s University is a local charity that raises the confidence and aspirations of children, especially those from disadvantaged areas, through unique experiences beyond the classroom.
Ideal Heating apprentices Lewis Speedy, Aaron Snell, Samuel Hatch and Alistair Swyer each ran 50 kilometres over the course of just one week, raising £1,185 through sponsorship from colleagues. This impressive total unlocked additional support from the business, reaching the £2,000 target needed to secure Bronze Partnership status.
Lewis Speedy said it had been a challenge but a hugely rewarding one. We are absolutely delighted to have achieved Bronze Partnership status with HEY Children’s University. It means so much to us to be able to give back to our local community and help inspire young people in Hull. The 200 kilometre run was definitely a challenge, especially for those of us who were not runners before we started. But knowing we were doing it to help provide opportunities for local children kept us going. The support from our colleagues across Ideal Heating was incredible and we are so grateful for their generosity in sponsoring us.
Ideal Heating was founded in Hull in 1906 and remains firmly rooted in the city. The business employs around 1,100 people, including more than 800 at its main UK site, which is currently undergoing a £60 million transformation. This investment includes the development of new manufacturing, distribution and research and development facilities.
The company, formerly known as Ideal Boilers, is part of Groupe Atlantic, a global thermal comfort business with 11,000 employees and operations in more than 20 countries. Ideal Heating continues to lead the UK heating sector in the transition to low carbon and net zero solutions, offering a growing range of innovative and environmentally friendly products.
During the experience day, pupils learned about the different routes into employment available within the business, including apprenticeships, engineering and technical roles. The event was designed to show that high quality, rewarding careers are available right here in Hull.
Sarah Brodie, Partnerships Manager at HEY Children’s University, said the experience day delivered real impact. The work experience day at Ideal Heating showcased to the children a wide range of career opportunities and pathways through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios. The impact this day will have on the children would be impossible to achieve by staying in the classroom. Being inside a real workplace and meeting such inspiring role models can be transformative for some of these children.
Ideal Heating’s commitment to education, community and sustainability reflects its wider brand ethos of That’s Ideal, which captures the company’s approach to product innovation, service, and doing the right thing for its customers and communities.
For more information, visit www.idealheating.com
Lead picture: Ideal Heating Engineering Services Apprentice Alistair Swyer with children from Alderman Cogan Primary school in the company’s home city of Hull.
Pictures: R&R Studios