Smart Energy Training has acquired Northampton-based building services training specialist EAS Mechanical, strengthening its position in the UK’s energy and engineering skills sector.
The acquisition, completed on 14 August for an undisclosed sum, represents Smart Energy Training’s fifth acquisition of 2026 and forms part of its continued expansion across the Midlands and wider UK.
EAS Mechanical was founded by Eamon Wilson in 2009 and has grown from supporting just seven apprentices each week to more than 180 apprentices currently accessing training through its dedicated Northampton facility.
The company provides apprenticeships and training across Domestic Plumbing and Heating, Electrotechnical, Building Services Engineering, including heating and ventilation, and Gas Technician qualifications. It also provides commercial training courses for industry.
As part of the acquisition, EAS Mechanical’s existing team of trainers will remain with the business, while courses will continue to operate as scheduled.
Wilson said the decision to sell was not easy, but described the move as the right decision for the business, its people and the learners it supports. He added that the acquisition would provide the platform for EAS Mechanical to grow while securing the future of its team and learners.
The acquisition brings EAS Mechanical into Smart Energy Training, part of Realise Training Group, which now operates seven training centres covering plumbing, electrical, gas and green skills.
For Smart Energy Training, the deal also expands its geographical footprint while adding electrical training to its existing portfolio. The group said this will help it support more SME employers and provide greater course and curriculum choice for learners aged 16 to 24.
Gregg Scott, CEO of Realise Training Group, said EAS Mechanical was highly respected within the industry and highlighted the quality of its Northampton facility.
The latest acquisition follows deals for Energy Training Centre in Nottingham, Elements Training & Assessment in Stourbridge, Brookhouse in Yorkshire and SWAT Gas in Redditch.
The continued expansion highlights the growing importance of training capacity as the UK seeks to develop the skilled workforce required to support the transition towards greener energy and increasingly complex building services systems.
