From Historic Church to High Performance Training Hub: Ellis Training Elevates HVACR with Panasonic

In 2025, Ellis Training, a leading UK HVAC&R training provider, recently completed a long-anticipated move into their new permanent home, a stunning former Methodist church built in 1891 and based in Hertford. The relocation marked the end of a ten-year search for a site that could meet both their heritage values and forward-thinking educational ambitions.

Fittingly, the building’s centenary in 1991 coincides with the year John Ellis, founded Ellis Training.  In a remarkable coincidence, the church’s final reverend also bore the name John Ellis.

Blending Heritage with High-Performance Design

Due to the building’s protected status, external modifications were not permitted. However, Ellis Training undertook an extensive internal refurbishment to create a modern, high-performance training environment, transforming the space while respecting its historical character.

The site also includes a community and memorial garden, offering a peaceful outdoor space that reflects the organisation’s commitment to community and legacy.

A Living Demonstration of HVACR Excellence

The new facility serves as both a training centre and a live showcase of the systems taught within. Despite lacking traditional windows, the building offers a fresh, comfortable environment all year round, thanks to a complete, integrated Panasonic HVACR solution.

System design and installation were led by Lawrence Workman of Herts Cooling, whose in-depth experience with Panasonic technologies ensured a smooth and precise implementation.

To deliver a high-efficiency, flexible climate control system for this mixed-use development, Herts Cooling selected Panasonic’s VRF ECOi MF3 outdoor units, paired with a combination of F3 adaptive ducted and G1 floor console indoor units. This configuration was chosen to meet the diverse spatial requirements, ensuring optimal comfort, energy efficiency, and ease of integration. The full system also includes Panasonic’s unique patented nanoe™ X technology, which uses the natural occurring hydroxyl radicals to inhibit certain pollutants, allergens, and viruses in supporting healthier air indoors.

Having relied on Panasonic systems for many years in their training rigs, Ellis Training chose the brand once again for the building’s permanent infrastructure, valuing its quality, longevity, and energy efficiency.

Training the Industry’s Best

All instructors at Ellis Training are fully qualified trained teachers, delivering a robust curriculum in a supportive and professional setting. Up to 500 F-GAS trainees are certified annually at Ellis Training, making them one of the UK’s largest recognised F-GAS training providers.

As part of its continued expansion, Ellis Training, already offer the City & Guilds 2081 Split Systems qualification, and is preparing to launch a new Air-to-Water Heat Pump course, also certified by City & Guilds. This upcoming course will form the foundation of a comprehensive new suite of qualifications for heating and plumbing engineers.

Conclusion

The transformation of a 19th-century church into a leading-edge HVACR training facility underscores Ellis Training’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and heritage. The new premises not only support advanced technical learning but also stand as a testament to sustainable design and industry leadership.

With the support of Panasonic heating and cooling systems and expert contractors like Herts Cooling, Ellis Training is poised to continue shaping the next generation of engineers in a facility as inspiring as it is functional.

To find out more about Panasonic’s wide range of heating and cooling products please visit https://www.aircon.panasonic.eu. Or to find out more about Ellis Training and their range of HVAC courses please visit - https://www.ellistraining.co.uk.