Vaillant welcomes first low carbon apprentices
8th February 2024
UK: Vaillant is partnering with its local Derby College Group to invest in 10 full-time, employed apprentices on their three-year Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship (LCHTA) courses.
In addition to the Level 3 Low Carbon Technologies qualification, where the LCHTA apprentices will get to grips with the latest heat pump and other low carbon technology essential for the role, they will also receive a rounder view of working in the heating industry and how to conduct themselves in customer’s homes, to offer excellent customer experience and service. This includes additional qualifications and skills, such as plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, electrics and customer service, to ensure they are fully equipped to carry out quality work at every job.
They will also benefit from experience gained from working across the Vaillant business to further their abilities and competencies as the course progresses. The second and third year will include a programme of on-the-job training with qualified heating engineers to provide further first-hand installation experience.
The course is recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and was developed by MCS with support from employers across the low carbon heating sector including MCS certified contractors. It also forms part of the Green Apprenticeships holding the Kings Standard, launched to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.
The first successful 10 applicants, aged 16-19, were selected from more than 60 candidates hailing from around the Derbyshire and East Midlands area. Each applicant were involved in several rounds of interviews and assessment days held at the college and at Vaillant’s UK headquarters in Belper, Derbyshire. Although the first cohort includes younger installers, the new LCHTA is open to those of all ages.
“Investing in young people and encouraging new entrants to the industry is paramount for the future of low carbon technologies. I was delighted to see such a huge interest in the Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship, and we have been overwhelmed with the amount of passion and drive that all applicants displayed,” commented Vaillant’s training and technologies director Mark Wilkins.
Further involvement with Derby College Group is planned throughout this year, with the aim of developing stronger low carbon opportunities for those coming into the industry.
For further information on the Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship and other courses available, visit www.vaillant.co.uk.
