INDUSTRY COMMENT Research reveals attitudes to heat pump training
Vaillant recently surveyed more than 1,300 installers to get a deeper understanding of their barriers and motivators behind retraining to be able to offer customers low carbon technologies such as heat pumps. Most recently, an inquiry into the success of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme revealed that the uptake of retrofit heat pump technology in UK homes is slower than anticipated. This was also reflected in the research, with 82% of installers surveyed currently not installing heat pumps. Encouragingly, the majority of those who took part in the survey recognised a need to train, with 87% of installers answering ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’ when asked if they were interested in undertaking air source heat pump training in the next 12 months. The top three motivators of these installers looking to undertake heat pump training were future-proofing their business or career development, personal financial benefits from installing a diverse range of heating technologies, and the benefits for the environment by supporting the net zero agenda. These motivators were largely similar for the 18% of installers who were already installing heat pumps, with their top three motivators being future-proofing their business, readying themselves for an expected increase in customer demand for heat pumps, and the environmental credentials installing heat pumps provides. The design of a heat pump system is incredibly important, both in meeting end user expectation and to ensure effective operation. Vaillant estimates that heat pump training for an existing heating engineer can take up to 9.5 days – however, on average, the installers surveyed only needed a further 6.5 days training, as they already had some skills required to fit a heat pump. Time away from the tools also didn’t appear to be an immediate barrier to undertaking heat pump training. Out of the 994 installers who expressed an interest in upskilling, almost two thirds (64%) said they would still be interested in undertaking training after learning the required training time.
What’s more, 55% of installers felt that they would prefer ‘entirely in-person training’ when it came to air-source heat pumps, whilst ‘a combination of in-person and online’ was preferred by 40% of those surveyed.
A lack of support from the Government appeared to be the biggest barrier to undertaking heat pump training, with more than 70% of those surveyed saying they felt the Government needed to do more. More than 40% of installers surveyed also felt that the Government should cover the cost of heat pump training in order to achieve the 600,000 heat pump installations target. Vaillant’s research was conducted prior to the announcement of a £5 million Heat Training Grant fund by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, in which installers can apply for up to £500 towards heat pump training. Further details are expected in Spring. Mark Wilkins, Technologies and Training
Director for Vaillant, said: “Whilst it’s encouraging to see that most installers are keen to upskill with additional heat pump training, some are also wary about the demand from consumers being low – and we’ve seen this through the recent BUS inquiry. In our response to this inquiry, we have urged the Government to set a clear strategy for consumer education and awareness to help drive demand for heat pumps and therefore the training required for installers. “The Heat Training Grant is a significant step towards making heat pump training more accessible for the installer community, wherever they are in their career.”
Asbestos team secures three major contracts
Socotec UK’s Asbestos team has secured three contracts with three of the UK’s largest supermarket and retail chains. These contracts, worth over £2.5million in annual revenue, will cover more than 6,000 properties across the UK and will include the delivery of a full suite of asbestos management, consultancy, and training services. The new contracts will support the firm in being the
largest provider of asbestos management services to the UK retail sector. In addition, the contracts include a five-year extension, which will extend the company’s partnership with one of the retailers to 16 years. “We are thrilled to have secured these contracts with some of the UK’s largest supermarket and retail chains” said James Dodgson, commercial director, Asbestos, Socotec UK. “As the largest provider of asbestos management services to the UK retail sector, we have
Swegon qp BSEE July22.qxp_Layout 1 23/6/22 13:43 Page 1
a wealth of experience and expertise in managing asbestos in high-traffic environments. We look forward to working with our clients to ensure the safety of their employee and customers.”
The delivery of these services will involve a team of highly experienced asbestos consultants and surveyors who will work closely with the retailers to identify and manage any asbestos risks. The asbestos team will also provide comprehensive training to ensure that all staff are aware of the risks associated with asbestos and how to work safely in environments where asbestos may be present.
GEYSER SKY Reversible heat pump with natural refrigerant
• Ideal for boiler replacement • High comfort thanks to the variable speed technology • Propane (R290), future proof refrigerant • No Ozone layer impact & close to zero global warming potential • Meets the highest seasonal efficiency standard
Visit:
www.swegon.com/uk to find out more Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MAY 2023 5
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
