Heat pump apprenticeship receives government funding

UK: The UK’s first ever dedicated low-carbon heating apprenticeship is set to be launched following government confirmation of funding for the scheme.

The Low-Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship is designed to equip a new generation of workers to help reach the UK government’s target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028. It is estimated that this will require 57,000 qualified heat pump installers by the end of the decade.

The new apprenticeship was developed by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme MCS in collaboration with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and a trailblazer group of heat pump installers.

Colleges will receive up to £22,000 for every apprentice, based on a funding band devised by the Department for Education. 

“Until now, the country’s efforts to increase our number of low-carbon heating installers have been delivered through short bolt-on courses after completion of a traditional fossil fuel heating installation course,” explained MCS CEO Ian Rippin.

“It is critical that we have dedicated pathways to develop an army of renewable heating installers with certifiable skills who know how to design and fit these systems efficiently. Most importantly, this workforce will know how to support homeowners in heating and decarbonising their homes.”

“We look forward to seeing it being implemented and urge many employers to offer placements as we all have a role to play in tackling climate change and creating green careers that will stand the test of time.”

Andy Louth, MD of heat pump installer Groundtherm and chair of the employer trailblazer group said: “As an employer, it is reassuring to know that the people I hire will have the necessary skills and access to the right training is the most important part of that. Removing the need for employers to retrain plumbers in low-carbon technology is a huge step in the right direction.”

Stephen McGreevy, Head of School, Sustainable Construction & Building Services, at the City of Liverpool College, said: “We are particularly pleased to see the apprenticeship receive the funding band it deserves from the Government. It will allow colleges like us to take on learners a time when every penny matters.”

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UK government backing for heat pump training – 4 July 2023
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