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INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Free training take-up too low to fix skills shortage
After a period of delay and uncertainty, in April this year the government extended the Heat Training Grant giving installers free access to heat pump installation qualifications. But not everyone feels able to down tools to do the course. Is it time to bite the bullet? asks Chris Brummell, Academy Manager at Viessmann Climate Solutions UK
Left: Chris Brummell, Academy Manager at Viessmann Climate Solutions UK
Right: In April this year the government extended the Heat Training Grant giving installers free access to heat pump installation qualifications.
Above: Viessmann’s BPEC Level 3 course teaches experienced heating installers to survey, specify, design and install ASHP systems up to 16 kW in domestic and small commercial properties.
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024 was a record year for heat pump sales in the UK, with nearly 100,000 units sold* - an increase of over 63% on the previous year.
With the government continuing to promote their take-up through initiatives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Energy Company Obligation, demand for installers trained in these types of low-carbon heating technologies is already outstripping supply. Meanwhile, market growth shows no sign of abating. You would be forgiven, then, for thinking that heating engineers would be queuing up for a free place worth £500 on one of the courses being offered in England, qualifying participants to specify and install heat pumps. After all, it makes great commercial sense to add this string to your bow right now. It not only opens up lots of new business opportunities today, but it’s also essential for futureproofing in the ramp-up to net zero. However, the uptake of training slots funded
through the Heat Training Grant scheme has been surprisingly low. With around 25% enrolment on the BPEC Level 3 Award in Air Source Heat Pump Systems (non-refrigerant Circuits) offered by the Viessmann Academy since April, leaving almost three quarters of the spaces unfilled. We still have around 200 vacancies for these excellent, MCS- approved courses taking place between now and April 2026. It’s not just Viessmann that is experiencing this
low demand - the scenario is being replicated across the industry. So, what’s stopping people from grabbing these high-quality cost-free career- development opportunities?
Time constraints
In most cases, people are simply too busy with existing client work to take time out to attend a three-day course. For many, missing several days revenue is an issue too. And this is certainly understandable. Nevertheless, it’s ill-advised short- termism. There’s no question that fossil-fuel related business is declining. In the near future, many installers will need to fit and service heat pumps to keep their heads above water. So, they’ll have to find the time to do this training eventually. Meanwhile, there’s no guarantee the Heat
Training Grant funding will continue beyond the current financial year. Indeed, given the government’s prevarication over its renewal last April, it wouldn’t be surprising if this particular tap is turned off next spring. It’s therefore well worth grabbing the opportunity to undertake the training now, while there’s no fee. At Viessmann Academy, we even throw in a free lunch every day!
What does the course involve?
The BPEC Level 3 course teaches experienced heating installers to survey, specify, design and install ASHP systems up to 16 kW in domestic and small commercial properties. It includes both theory and practical training and assessments meeting the qualification requirements for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Topics include:
¡ Market overview ¡ Heat pump regulations and guidance ¡ Principles of ASHP operation ¡ Heat pump types ¡ Matching to the correct heating system
¡ Pre-installation requirements ¡ Installation materials and methods ¡ Setting to work, commissioning ¡ Heat pump servicing and fault finding
Who’s eligible for Heat Training Grants?
Funding under this scheme is only available for training which takes place in England. To be eligible, you need a Level 2 or 3 qualification in Plumbing or Heating. Failing this, you must be able to evidence a minimum of three years’ experience of installing wet central heating systems. Candidates also need a Water Regulations certificate, if not covered within one of the above qualifications. You must also work for a business with no
more than 250 employees, be a sole trader, or be unemployed. Additionally, you, or the business you work for must be registered with a competent persons scheme and cannot have already received over £315,000 in government subsidies over the past three years.
Don’t delay
The Viessmann Academy course is interesting and inspiring. It gives you the chance to meet likeminded professionals while significantly enhancing your employability and environmental credentials. And the low take-up of Heat Training Grant places means those that do take the leap now are exceptionally well placed to capitalise on a booming market ahead of the curve.
*Source:
https://www.heatpumps.org.uk/record- year-for-uk-heat-pump-sales-and-training/
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