Ideal Boilers is the proud sponsor of a specialised training facility for female installers, The Pink Training Academy, which will open its doors on 29 July.

The Academy was founded by Philippa Cunningham, who formed her own female-only plumbing company Pink Plumbing in 2008.

"Ideal has been alongside me from the start of this project, helping with funding for the building, supplying boilers for the trainees to work on and providing invaluable support, advice and encouragement," Ms Cunningham said. 

"I want to help women develop their careers by building their own businesses and part of this is helping women access training through our academy."

It has already received backing from Saniflo, Adey and Derby Homes who have expressed their support for the Academy opening. 

Annabelle Barwick, project manager at Derby Homes said: "As local ambassador for the National Apprenticeship Scheme I was personally keen to get behind this important project. Derby Homes is responsible for over 13,000 council properties in the City of Derby and as a local employer, is proud to support this vital project."

Ideal's head of marketing Carrie Young said: "It’s great to see Philippa’s passion and to work alongside someone who has such ambition to encourage more women into our industry. We must pull together to ensure the long-term career prospects of high quality female would-be plumbing and heating engineers."