The RHITSS launched at the start of the year offering installers up to 70% off the training required to become a heat pump, solar thermal or biomass engineer - some of the most popular and accessible renewable technologies.

All of the schemes 1,000 vouchers were initially taken up in a matter of days, however some installers haven't come forward to book their training within the allotted timeframe. These unused vouchers are now available for building services engineers seeking a low-cost way to take advantage of the market opportunities presented by renewables.

Managed by GTEC, funding covers renewable qualifications, plus any other pre-requisite courses – such as energy efficiency or hot water systems. Installers can choose to complete a suite of training or just individual qualifications, depending on their specific requirements.

Griff Thomas, managing director for GTEC, said: 'For existing plumbing and heating engineers, training in the most popular renewable technologies is a great way to future-proof a business. At the moment, there are not enough qualified heat pump installers to meet the predicted demand, upskilling into this and other areas like solar thermal, will ensure work for many years to come.

'The modern heating engineer needs to be trained in a range of technologies to meet the more varied requirements of low carbon buildings. The RHITTS scheme offers an amazing opportunity to do this cost-effectively, covering all the necessary qualifications.'

Training is delivered through LCL Awards and BPEC centres. LCL Awards approved GTEC is one of the most established and well-equipped centres in the country, ideal for installers in Yorkshire and surrounding areas (GTEC's centre is in Hawes, North Yorkshire).

Funding is available for:

Technology specific training in:

Heat pumps

Solar thermal

Biomass

Supporting qualifications:

Hot Water Systems & Safety (G3)

Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating

WRAS Water Regulations

Funding can be used for any of these qualifications individually – you do not have to undertake a renewable qualification – or in combination, i.e. heat pumps and WRAS, for example.

Vouchers are available on a first come first service. Visit www.rhitss.co.uk