The scheme is expected to launch in Spring 2023, following the conclusion of the Home Decarbonisation Skills Training Competition. The grant budget is £5 million which could help train 10,000 heat pump installers.

Following the announcement, David Knipe, training manager at OFTEC, commented: “We welcome this additional funding to support the training of thousands more heat pump installers. This significant investment sends a clear signal that the technology has an important role to play in our transition to low carbon heating and a net zero future.

“OFTEC is fully committed to the rollout of heat pumps in suitable properties and this grant will support technicians who enrol on OFTEC’s courses through our networking of training centres.

“We’ve seen a noticeable increase in installers on our courses following our participation in the Home Decarbonisation Skills Training competition, which demonstrates there is a healthy appetite amongst technicians to diversify into new technologies.

“This new grant scheme will provide a welcome boost to the growing heat pump market, and a further opportunity for technicians to future-proof their business, as we expect to see a significant shift in the way we heat our homes and businesses over the coming years.

“As the heat pump industry continues to develop we must ensure we maintain high standards through our training infrastructure to deliver the best outcomes for consumers. This new government scheme is an important step forward in achieving this ambition.”

OFTEC offers the following heat pump courses:

OFT21-504A – Installation, commissioning, and servicing of air source heat pumps

OFT21-504D – Design of heat pump systems

The following course will also be available from April 2023:

OFT21-504G – Installation, commissioning and servicing of Ground Source Heat Pumps

Technicians who successfully complete the courses can apply for MCS certification to install heat pumps through government schemes such as the Home Upgrade Grant or Boiler Upgrade Scheme. They will also be able to self-certify their own installations as being compliant with Building Regulations.

The courses incorporate theoretical and practical assessment across different heat pump products to give technicians the flexibility to install the technology. They are delivered through OFTEC’s existing network of training providers and most heating technicians should already hold the necessary skills and experience to meet the course pre-requisites.