As introduced in a paper in Building Simulation '93, the training of users; of simulation based thermal performance assessment tools is central to the efficacy of such tools within professional practice. A will-structured training facility can act as a 'virtual laboratory' for researchers and students. It is now possible to report on, the results; of the evolution of a simulation environment (ESP-r), training support software and literature as well as a new set of observations of alternative approaches to training in academic settings, workshops and remote learning.