Salamander Pumps has appointed a new training manager. With 13 years as a qualified plumber under his belt, Ken Vance is well placed to help further develop Salamander’s UK-wide training framework for installers, merchants, support staff and college students.

Mr Vance joined Salamander in 2010 on the technical help desk, and has worked towards completing a two-year HNC in Manufacturing Engineering at the same time.

His new role will see him work with merchants who sell the Salamander range of brass, shower-specific, whole house and mains boosting pumps, to help them give best advice to customers. He will also train plumbing students at colleges around the UK, as well as Salamander’s support engineers and team of regional business development managers.

Mr Vance also has plans to develop the company’s installer training programme, which provides telephone and on the spot support via one to one and group sessions, to help installers understand and get the best out of the Salamander range.

“Training has always been a priority for the business, and my new role gives me the chance to take things a step further by bringing in new ideas and best practice that will cement Salamander’s reputation as an installer-focused manufacturer,” he said.

“Our hallmarks of quality, innovation and service are threads that run right through every element of our business, and we want installers to choose Salamander because of the added benefits of our training and support package.

“When I joined Salamander, I had years of experience as a plumber working for a social housing group, so my experience stood me in good stead in my technical support role. Taking on the job of training manager is the next logical step and a great career opportunity for me.”