Contractor GVA strives to deliver on its ‘your environment, our responsibility’ pledge to clients that include National Highways, utility providers, countryside managers and land agencies in the UK.
Longtime users of Aspen 2 and Aspen 4 alkylate fuels for its machinery fleet, GVA has made them central to its new training school.
Already familiar with the firm after than 20 years in the arb sector, Andrew Fletcher joined GVA in September 2024 as corporate training instructor and co-ordinator with a vision to build a training centre reflecting best practice across the industry.
Soon, armed with awarding body Lantra qualifications to teach across 10 specialist disciplines, GVA Training has arisen. As Andrew explains: “Because of GVA’s growth, we see a steady stream of new recruits so it made complete sense to develop a training model to run alongside our operations which supports our clients and demonstrates our commitment to continual professional development and high safety standards.”
Open access courses
Courses are open to anyone and include a dedicated segment on fuelling – focused on the science, environmental and operator health benefits and practical advantages of Aspen Fuel over regular petrol.
“We see it in our day-to-day business – the reduction in smoke/haze, the lack of strong odour, the benefits it brings to engine life and equipment performance. It’s now about informing the next generation, many of whom have heard about Aspen but some who only experience it hands-on for the first time when they come and learn with us. They notice the difference straight away,” he adds.
“During the morning maintenance session, trainees get the chance to inspect machines from GVA’s own fleet, which is where they can clearly see the fuel’s cleaner burn and reduced carbon deposits. Come the afternoon, its outdoor training using both battery tools and conventional equipment fuelled exclusively with Aspen.”
The blend of theory and practice helps overcome perceived barriers some attendees have, Andrew believes. “Cost always comes up but when you factor in that Aspen is pre-mixed with 2-stroke oil, the reduction in machinery maintenance downtime and the health benefits, it pays for itself. We’re fully converted which makes it easy to present with confidence.”
With support from local Aspen distributor Stuart Taylors International, GVA Training has welcomed more than 100 students since the scheme launched in April 2025 and with demand rising steadily, the contractor expect numbers to grow rapidly in ‘26.
www.aspenfuel.co.uk