The launch of the training scheme, NIBE Pro, follows the Government’s latest pledge for 600,000 heat pumps to be installed per year by 2028.

With just 27,000 heat pumps installed into homes in 2018, there is a significant amount of work to be done across the next decade to prepare the work force to deliver on this target. As the phase out of fossil fuels begins, heating installers up and down the country will need to gain the knowledge and skills needed to recommend and install heat pumps in UK homes. NIBE Pro has been launched to support installers on this journey.

Fossil fuel boilers are due to be phased out in new build properties from 2025, putting pressure on heating installers to join the energy revolution the UK’s net zero target necessitates. Moreover, schemes like the Green Homes Grant, which offers financial support to households for the purchase of low carbon heating solutions including heat pumps, has demonstrated consumer demand. Installers are already being inundated with queries around green heating solutions, signifying just how important it is for installers to be trained and prepared to roll out heat pumps.

What is NIBE Pro?

NIBE Pro is an installer partnership scheme designed to help plumbing and heating installers to become MCS Certified heat pump installers. Training costs are fully redeemable through the NIBE Pro Voucher scheme, meaning that installers can gain an industry recognized mark of quality at no long-term expense.

NIBE Pro Installers will also be able to advance upwards though the scheme as time goes on to unlock additional support and rewards. The three-tier installer scheme consists of NIBE Pro, NIBE Pro Partner, and NIBE Pro Exclusive.

Neil Hope, head of installer development at NIBE Energy Systems added: “Demand for heat pumps is set to keep on rising and time is of the essence for heating installers not wanting to get left behind. NIBE Pro has been launched to help installers build upon their skills and unlock a plethora of benefits, including digital and online support, redeemable rewards, dedicated business support, and technical expertise from NIBE engineers.”

Phil Hurley, managing director of NIBE Energy Systems (UK) said: 'This is an incredibly exciting time for the heating industry. The Government has recognised the key role heat pumps have to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from UK homes and NIBE is committed to helping installers to adapt to the inevitable change that waits ahead. We look forward to supporting them on their NIBE Pro journeys and providing them with the skills they need for the green building revolution.”

At the launch this week he said: “Heat pumps have a massive role to play. This is the only technology available right now to decarbonise our homes.'