PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026 28 Training& Education


How to deliver solutions for the real world


Heat pump success relies on installer competence as much as technology, says Griff Thomas from GTEC Training. Here, he argues that targeted, practical training backed by real-world data is building the skills, confi dence and insight needed to deliver high-performing systems.


T


he UK’s drive toward net zero is accelerating, with policy and regulations increasingly


promoting low-carbon heating. Heat pumps now play a central role in this transition, but their performance depends heavily on installer competence and system design quality. Most performance issues


stem from incorrect sizing, poor commissioning or integration faults rather than from the units themselves. Specialist, data- driven training that refl ects onsite challenges is essential. This is where targeted training comes into its own. We’ve spent years listening to installer feedback and adapting our courses to refl ect the real-world challenges


Size it right Ask any experienced heat pump installer where things can go wrong, and sizing will usually top the list. Oversized systems can short cycle, increasing running costs and reducing the lifespan of components. In contrast, undersized systems may never achieve the level of comfort that homeowners are looking for, leaving them dissatisfi ed with the technology and ‘out in the cold’. While the theory of heat loss


calculations is covered in most traditional training, the reality on site is rarely by the book. In feedback from hundreds of installers attending GTEC Training courses, we consistently hear the same frustrations: “It’s diffi cult to account


for unpredictable factors like occupant behaviour.” “I know the calculation, but


I’m not always confi dent I’ve interpreted it correctly.” “Retrofi t projects are a diff erent


beast compared to new builds.” That’s why our heat pump


training courses are designed to go well beyond generic. We


Training with GTEC is supported by simulation rigs that mimic on-site conditions


mindset that begins with checking simple issues fi rst, using data logging where possible, and working collaboratively with manufacturers where needed. Importantly, we also focus


on communication skills. Many call-backs are triggered by user confusion, rather than genuine faults. An installer who can explain clearly how a system works, what to expect, and how to adjust settings is far less likely to face an unhappy customer.


Refl ecting the real world The needs of a plumber transitioning from gas boilers are diff erent from those of an experienced renewables specialist looking to upskill. That’s why training works best when it’s structured in layers:


• Foundation courses to


introduce core principles. • Manufacturer-specifi c


modules to tackle specifi c product nuances.


• Advanced diagnostics and


retrofi t training for experienced installers. It’s also important to recognise


Griff Thomas MD at GTEC Training


We’ve spent years listening to installer feedback and adapting our courses to reflect the real-world challenges


CUT TO THE CHASE


 GTEC specialises in practical training focused on real-world sizing and system design challenges


 Structured commissioning modules use simulation rigs for fault-free installations


 Troubleshooting techniques show installers how to systematically diagnose issues rather than just guessing


 GTEC’s training offers layered, ongoing support so installers can keep building skills and confi dence over time


focus on practical application and guiding installers through real case studies, live calculations, and scenarios involving challenging properties, including older homes. We’ve also integrated


digital design tools like Heatly into the training process. This provides installers with on-demand support to verify their calculations, identify errors early in the process, and create a clear audit trail. The result of this integration means better system design, and greater confi dence in the installer’s professional judgment.


Commissioning Even a perfectly sized heat pump can fall short if the commissioning process is rushed or incomplete, with commonly reported issues including systems failing to reach setpoint temperatures, excessive cycling or fl uctuating fl ow temperatures, and integration issues with controls and emitters. Commissioning errors are often


due to time pressures or a lack of structured guidance for this crucial stage of installation. At GTEC, our training places


emphasis on methodical commissioning procedures, from purging air and balancing systems to setting fl ow rates,


verifying COP, and documenting performance. Installers are shown how to interpret manufacturer data correctly and how to use diagnostic tools eff ectively. The course is supported by real-


world simulation rigs that mimic on-site conditions. Trainees can make mistakes in a controlled environment and learn how to correct them, creating a much better outcome than discovering the issue post-installation.


Troubleshooting Troubleshooting is often where experience speaks loudest, but that doesn’t necessarily mean having years on the tools. Structured training can accelerate that learning curve. When problems occur, they


typically fall into a few categories: hydraulic issues (inadequate fl ow rates, airlocks, undersized emitters), control and integration problems (mismatched thermostats, fi rmware issues, poor zoning) or user error/ misunderstanding (incorrect settings, unrealistic expectations). Our troubleshooting modules


use fault-fi nding scenarios based on real installations, so installers learn how to systematically diagnose issues rather than resorting to guesswork. We encourage an investigative


that learning doesn’t end when the course does. Through Heatly, installers can access on-the-job support, technical resources, and peer feedback. This ongoing connection between training and practice is a game-changer. It turns a one-off qualifi cation into a continuous professional development journey.


Continual improvement By capturing feedback from both installers and homeowners, along with performance data from heat pump systems in the fi eld, we can identify recurring issues and address them directly through training. This will help reduce post-installation call-backs, increase fi rst-time commissioning success rates, and improve both customer satisfaction and installer confi dence – key steps toward making heat pumps a reliable, mainstream heating solution. Government incentives like


the Boiler Upgrade Scheme are helping feed demand, but the real barrier to scaling heat pump adoption is delivery capacity, not policy. The installer base needs to grow, but just as importantly, it must be equipped with the right skills, tools and mindset. By combining specialist,


scenario-based training with digital support platforms, we’re starting to close that gap. Installers are not just learning what to do, but why it matters, and how to deliver a high- performing system under real- world constraints. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/126/27


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