PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026 32 Training& Education


A practical heat pump pathway


Logic4training’s Mark Krull outlines a practical pathway for heating engineers to upskill into the heat pump market – from training and certifi cation to grants and fi rst installs.


fi rmly on low-carbon heating, opportunities for gas and heating engineers have never been stronger. Structured training, fi nancial support and industry mentoring are now in place to make the transition straightforward, even for those from a traditional gas background. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme


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(BUS), now in its fourth year, continues to play a central role in the acceleration of demand for heat pumps. As of October 2025, voucher applications under the scheme reached 100,000, refl ecting strong consumer demand for low carbon heating. For installers, this represents


both a signifi cant commercial opportunity and a clear need to develop new skills. The following step-by-step guide outlines how to upskill into the heat pump market with confi dence.


1. Begin with focused research Before committing to training, engineers should familiarise themselves with the fundamentals of heat pump technology and system design.


Learn about integrating heating, cooling and air fi ltration


The Renewable Energy Warehouse (REW) is a new technical training centre in Kings Norton, Birmingham, which features a fully operational Small Duct High Velocity (SDHV) system from Unico.


The Unico System installation is featured within a purpose-built lecture suite and fully equipped workshop with facilities designed to ensure the most eff ective


learning environment. Attendees can view and interact with the live system to gain technical knowledge and hands-on experience in SDHV, including airfl ow management, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) strategies, ventilation performance and heat pump compatibility to deliver whole-building comfort. Alongside the Unico System, Daikin and Worcester Bosch heat


pumps are also featured at the REW, creating a multi-brand environment that highlights the compatibility and integration possibilities of SDHV with low- carbon technologies.


Accredited training The Technical Training Centre forms an integral part of Unico System’s training off ering, designed to ensure industry


Mark Krull Managing director of Logic4training


ith heat pump installations rising and government policy focused


Many manufacturers provide free introductions and in-centre demonstrations, while peer learning can be equally valuable. Podcasts, such as the Gas Engineer Podcast, regularly feature experienced installers discussing real-world challenges, off ering a realistic view of what to expect from heat pump work in practice.


2. Get qualifi ed The next step is to get formal training and relevant RQF qualifi cations. Experienced engineers are the ideal candidates as the pre-requisites for air source heat pump (ASHP) training include WRAS Water Regulations in addition to heating and plumbing qualifi cations, core gas safety and two years’ working in the industry. Training takes three to fi ve days and successful candidates will receive a Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of air source heat pump systems. Make sure the certifi cation body is recognised by the Microgeneration Certifi cation Scheme (MCS).


The combination of clearer regulation, accessible funding and structured training has transformed the outlook for low- carbon heating


3. Take advantage of the Heat Training Grant The government’s Heat Training Grant off ers up to £500 towards eligible heat pump courses in England. Available to both employed and self-employed engineers, it reduces the cost of certifi ed training aligned with MCS standards, helping to lower the fi nancial barrier to entry.


4. Bridge training and practice through ‘Start at Home’ One of the biggest challenges for new installers is gaining real- world experience after qualifi cation, and the Nesta-led ‘Start at Home’ initiative addresses this by allowing newly trained engineers to install a free


heat pump in their own property. The pilot is now becoming part of industry practice, with manufacturers and training partners expanding the model across the UK.


5. Choose your certifi cation pathway: MCS or umbrella scheme To access government-funded work, installers must be certifi ed under MCS, now confi rmed as the sole scheme for clean-heat installations under BUS. Installers can either obtain direct certifi cation or work under an MCS umbrella provider while building their own portfolio and quality-assurance documentation.


6. Understand available grants Consumer incentives remain a major growth driver. BUS currently off ers £7,500 towards air-source or ground-source heat pump installations in England and Wales. Alongside BUS, the government’s Warm Homes Plan aims to upgrade around 1 million homes by 2030, supported by the Warm Homes Skills Programme, which will fund around 9,000 subsidised training places for heating and retrofi t professionals. Individuals can apply directly through a training provider operating under the scheme. Together, these initiatives create a stable pipeline of projects for qualifi ed installers.


7. Prepare for policy change The forthcoming Future Homes Standard, expected to come into force next year, will require new homes in England to produce 75–80% less carbon emissions than those built under current regulations. This eff ectively mandates low-carbon heating systems, primarily heat pumps and heat networks, in all new dwellings.


professionals are fully equipped to deliver sustainable buildings that prioritise energy performance, renewable energy integration, regulatory alignment and genuine innovation. The training curriculum


is centred around the Unico University, an online portal that complements the face-to- face learning and includes 14 specialist training modules. These cover areas including SDHV system design, installation, commissioning, servicing and optimisation. Training pathways are CIPHE-accredited, providing both installers and specifi ers with recognised and relevant professional development qualifi cations. Training is led by Paul Stevens,


Unico System’s technical training manager, whose extensive knowledge ensures every course blends practical skills, technical accuracy and regulatory insight. The programmes are aligned with the key compliance frameworks shaping the next generation of


For installers, this means


expanding into new-build and developer workstreams, as well as retrofi t. Those who train now will be well positioned when the standard becomes law.


8. Build relationships with manufacturers Partnerships with manufacturers provide access to product-specifi c training, design assistance and after-sales support. Schemes such as Grant UK’s G1 installer network off er extended warranties and technical guidance, while OEM design services ensure that each system complies with MCS and building regulations. Working closely with suppliers


also helps installers stay up to date with changing refrigerant requirements, hybrid system options and control technologies.


9. Strengthen design skills Heat pump performance depends on accurate system design and installers should be confi dent in conducting heat-loss calculations, emitter sizing and system balancing. Digital tools simplify these tasks, for example Heat Engineer Software, which streamlines surveys, heat loss calculations and reporting through integrated mobile and desktop solutions, including 3D scanning and CAD software.


A structured transition The combination of clearer regulation, accessible funding and structured training has transformed the outlook for low-carbon heating. With MCS now confi rmed as the single certifi cation route, installers progressing through the Heat Training Grant, Start at Home initiatives and MCS umbrella schemes, can enter the market with confi dence. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/126/33


UK buildings, including Building Regulations Part L, Part O, Awaab’s Law, the Future Homes Standard and SAP 12/HEM.


Signifi cant milestone The Renewable Energy Warehouse is owned by HVAC industry specialist Spencer Bell. Richard Soper (CBE), MD Unico System – Europe, comments: “We extend our thanks to Spencer Bell for his leadership and the commitment of his specialist renewables team, whose expertise and collaboration have been instrumental in delivering this advanced facility. “Its opening marks a signifi cant


milestone for our industry. As we transition toward low- carbon homes and buildings with healthier indoor environments, the need for skilled heating engineers, informed architects and knowledgeable specifi ers has never been greater. This centre provides exactly the forward- thinking and hands-on education required to meet that challenge.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/126/34


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