The Prime Minister’s 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution, published in November 2020, outlined a target to install 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028 as part of ambitions to create green jobs whilst making strides towards net zero by 2050.
The new training course, launched by the Heat Pump Association (HPA), aims to equip the heating industry with the additional skills needed to deliver on this target and deliver low carbon heat to hundreds of thousands of British homes.
Mr Kwarteng said:“The Government is absolutely committed to working with industry to drive down the costs of heat pumps over time so they are increasingly affordable for consumers.
“While heat pumps are fast becoming a natural option for households, we need to ensure we have enough skilled tradespeople to hit our target of 600,000 installations each year by 2028 - so the HPA setting up this training scheme is absolutely critical in this endeavour.
“Today’s news is a great example of how government and industry can work together to accelerate progress and create the high-skilled jobs needed to make homes greener and more energy efficient.”
The new course will be available for bookings across 38 training centres spread across the UK, with the ability to train over 40,000 installers each year across the HPA membership alone at maximum capacity.
Phil Hurley, chair of the HPA, said:“Today’s launch is a landmark achievement and the HPA is proud to have worked hard with others across industry to bring this new heat pump training pathway to life. When we laid out our vision to government last year, we recognised our role in delivering training and skills, and we have successfully achieved this whilst working in constructive partnership with the Secretary of State and his team.
“The heat pump industry is now fully equipped to lead the way in transforming the way homes are heated to reduce carbon and lower energy bills.
“Importantly, we are also supporting plans to build back better through upskilling existing heating installers so that they are equipped with the tools and skills they need to allow consumers to access heat pumps as a solution to decarbonise their homes.”
The course can be booked through www.grantuk.com/professional/training
It is split into two stages as shown below:
Heat Pump Foundation Course (2 Days)
Course content:
Overview of heat pumps
Installation guidelines
Commissioning/ servicing
End user training
Individual Heat Pump Technology Course (1 Day Per Technology)
On completion of the foundation course, progression can be made onto in-depth training for each of the technologies:
Air Source Course (1 Day)
Ground Source Course (1 Day)
FAQS
What is required to access the course?
National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 in Plumbing and Heating or equivalent
A Low Temperature Heating Systems Course – covering the skills essential to efficient heating (of all technology types).
How is this different to other Heat Pump training courses available?
The installer will receive an official qualification, with the course being recognised by OFQUAL.
Straight forward route, removing the bureaucracy currently associated with the heat pump training route in the UK
The course takes three days to complete in total
The HPA consulted with wider industry and installers to decide on the content to be covered
Content will be updated as progressions across the industry are made in the future