Steve Willis Training Centres proudly marks its 25th anniversary in 2025, celebrating a legacy of excellence in gas, plumbing, electrical, and renewables training. Since its inception in 2000, the company has grown from a single training centre in Burgess Hill, to a leading provider with multiple locations, serving apprentices and industry professionals across the South and South East of England.
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
Founded by Steve Willis, a passionate industry professional, the company has continuously expanded its offerings and facilities:
- 2000: Steve Willis Training Centres began trading in Burgess Hill, delivering high-quality gas, plumbing, and electrical courses.
- 2004: Expansion into Young House, Burgess Hill, introduced
apprenticeship programmes. - 2006: Opened the Portchester training centre to widen reach and
accessibility. - 2010-2011: Further expansion with Murdoch House at Burgess Hill and an additional unit at Portchester.
- 2017: Joined the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers, gaining
direct government funding and greater independence. - 2019: Opened a state-of-the-art Gas End Point Assessment (EPA) centre in Burgess Hill for summative apprenticeship assessments.
- 2023: Introduced new short courses in renewables, including air source
heat pump installation and maintenance.
A Journey of Passion and Dedication
Steve Willis' journey in the trade began when he left school during a time of economic uncertainty. A government-funded training scheme introduced him to plumbing, where he trained under the skilled mentorship of a local Plumber. Steve completed an apprenticeship himself, igniting a passion for the trade and leading him to work as a self-employed plumber before transitioning into teaching. After 13 years of teaching - where he rose to Programme Manager, overseeing plumbing, gas, and electrical installation - he took the bold step of founding his own training centre. The rest is history!
Commitment to Quality and the Future of the Industry
Today, Steve Willis Training Centres is a leader in training for gas, oil, electrical, plumbing, and renewables, offering one of the largest selections of Gas ACS Assessment Programmes in the region. With facilities in Burgess Hill and Portchester, the company prides itself on delivering top-tier training by industryexperienced professionals.
The Burgess Hill Gas EPA Centre, established with the generous support of Worcester Bosch and other leading manufacturers, provides an ideal environment to deliver high-quality End Point Assessments. At its launch event, City & Guilds Executive Director David Phillips commended the company’s commitment to excellence: “One of the stand-out things about Steve Willis Training is your reputation for quality, and to see you invest in End Point Assessments in this way is fantastic.”
Steve Willis Training Centres have worked closely with City & Guilds over the years, and are proud to have recently received an award, recognising their excellence in Apprenticeship Delivery (this was highlighted by their EPA results with many apprentices attaining a Distinction grade).
Apprenticeship Excellence and a Sustainable Future
With circa 500 apprentices currently enrolled across both centres, Steve Willis Training Centres continues to shape the future workforce. The company offers Level 3 apprenticeships in Gas Engineering, Installation & Maintenance Electrician, and Plumbing & Domestic Heating. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, apprentices who complete the Level 3 Gas Engineering Operative Apprenticeship and the EPA can undertake a free renewables short course in air source heat pump installation, reinforcing the company’s dedication to preparing the industry for a net-zero future.
Looking Ahead
After 25 years, Steve Willis Training Centres remains committed to innovation, quality training, and industry leadership. With a reputation built on excellence and trust, the company continues to evolve, ensuring that trainees receive the best education and career opportunities in the ever-changing landscape of the building engineering services industry.
For further information, please contact: info@stevewillis.com or call 01444 870 860 / 02392 190 190
Steve Willis Training Centres are an Approved Training Centre of CIPHE, to see the full list of Approved Training Centres check out the directory HERE