Bathroom manufacturer Grohe has rolled out the Grohe Installer Vocational Training and Education (GIVE) programme, which started in the UK, across the EMENA region.

It was established at the Colchester Institute, the largest vocational college in North Essex, and opened a training rig to its 500-strong cohort of plumbing students in November 2019.

To date, Grohe has already collaborated with 26 institutions offering plumbing training and over the next two years, it plans to expand the network to over 50 technical schools and colleges.

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It aims to provide training to more than 5,000 students per year, helping young people become skilled installers in the sanitary industry.

GIVE supports institutions with equipment, training material and provide a written examination.

To help improve training facilities, Grohe will set up a fully functioning training environment where students can benefit from the brand’s expertise.

After students have completed their training, Grohe will also assist with job placements or a work experience programme at one of its industry partners.

Leader plumbing schools Lixil, EMENA Christopher Penney commented: “Our programme offers young talent hands-on training that eases their start into professional life.

“The students will gain knowledge of the latest technologies and sanitary innovations. This will ensure that they are capable of installing and maintaining our expanding product range before they embark on their future careers in the plumbing industry.”

He continued: “We are excited to offer our internationally accredited training programme to more plumbing students across the EMENA region by opening up 12 additional schools in 2021 and another 12 in 2022.”

The Grohe UK team is planning to expand the GIVE programme into more UK training colleges, with potential partnerships on the horizon in both Dublin and the South of England.

GIVE also helps socially disadvantaged people, aged between 17 and 25, in the Philippines, Mumbai and Delhi in India become sanitary specialists and help improve the living conditions of local people.

Leader Lixil EMENA Jonas Brennwald said: “The GIVE programme will units all our professional training efforts and help young people from all backgrounds by improving the quality of life for themselves and their families.

“We offer students a training and education programme which will prepare them to become skilled plumbers and guide them further in their careers.”

He added: “Beside initiatives like Grohe goes Zero and Less Plastic, where we advocate resource conservation and sustainable consumption, the social dimension is an integral part of our sustainability strategy. As the programme’s name implies, giving back to society is vital for us at Grohe.”