PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2024 16 Training Update Air to water technology on the roadshow


Air to water heat pumps will take centre stage on Toshiba Carrier’s new dedicated demonstration training vehicle. Carrier products across its portfolio of brands will be featured, including Toshiba, Riello, and Vokèra. Measuring 6.5m in length, the


vehicle unfolds to 8.9m when open for display, providing an expansive showroom experience for merchants and installers. The unit is equipped with an array of products that showcase the latest in air-to-water technology. The training vehicle will embark


on a nationwide tour, commencing with the heating area sales team in Scotland. Products on board the mobile showroom include the split R32 Estia air-to-water heat split pump system and Haori air-to-air air conditioner by Toshiba HVAC, Carrier’s upcoming AquaSnap


Updated and relaunched F-gas skill course


Updated and recently relaunched, the F-gas (Category 1) course available from Develop Training provides delegates with the skills to identify the hazards and safe working practices for working with fluorinated gases. The course, certified under the


City & Guilds 2079-11 scheme, will be delivered by Develop trainer, Brandon Clark, a seasoned refrigeration and air conditioning engineer. This will explore updates to statutory regulation requirements, while combining both theory and practical testing to ensure delegates understand the risk and management


Free courses on electric heating solutions


A new series of free training courses has been announced by Fischer, designed to allow installers and heating businesses to boost their net zero ambitions. The company specialises in electric heating solutions and is now providing a hands-on classroom-based training approach at its facility in Leicester. The free courses are designed


to enable installation companies to educate their workforce about renewable technologies, while providing essential knowledge of air source heat pumps, electric boilers, electric water heaters and


Brandon Clark, F-gas trainer at Develop Training


techniques needed in the sector. Available at Develop’s York,


Derby and Linlithgow centres, prospective delegates can view course dates on the company’s website, with more to come in 2024. The course can also be


R290 monobloc heat pump, Riello’s R32 NXHM monobloc heat pump, and the hybrid-ready Vokèra Unica MAX boiler. The vehicle is designed to be


a flexible and dynamic learning space, allowing merchants,


installers, contractors and specialist distributors to have an opportunity to explore the products, learn about their features and engage with Toshiba Carrier experts. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/224/23


delivered at other locations for businesses that have six or more staff that require training. Brandon Clark, F-gas trainer at


Develop, says: “We are pleased to relaunch our F-gas course this year at Develop, which has been updated to reflect the current regulations. F-gas maintenance and reduction is crucial to achieving the UK’s target of reducing F-gas emissions by two-thirds by 2030. “This course will enable us


to provide a range of essential theoretical, practical and green skills and help our customers successfully manage their F-gas containing equipment in line with EU guidelines and regulations.” Develop now also offers the City


& Guilds 6187-21 qualification, equipping delegates with the skills and knowledge to safely handle hydrocarbon and flammable refrigerants, covering all stages from installation to disposal. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/224/25


Heat network know-how


The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched an industry-wide training scheme, backed by government funding, for heat network engineers. The course, which was developed in collaboration with the Manufacturers of Equipment for Heat Networks Association (MEHNA) and the Thermal Insulation Contractors’ Association (TICA) is being delivered through BESA’s Training Academy. Course content is aligned with the CIBSE code of practice (CP1) for


heat networks and the sector’s developing technical standards. The programme includes a one-hour introductory foundation course and an installation and maintenance course consisting of nine modules. The latter concludes with a practical session delivered by manufacturers Worcester Bosch and Baxi at one of four training centres in Dartford, Wakefield, Warrington and Worcester. “This is a great opportunity for anyone considering diversifying


into heat networks,” says BESA’s director of training and skills Helen Yeulet. “This technology will play an increasingly important role in the transition to net zero, so it is vital that the country has enough trained installers who can help networks meet their full energy and cost saving potential.” Members of the three trade bodies who developed the course


have already had early access to the training, but it is now being made available to the wider industry. Ultimately, the organisations intend for the installer course to kickstart the development of a formal heat network qualification that will underpin future statutory regulation of the industry. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/224/24


Grants fuel a rapid rise in qualified heat pump installers


Fischer’s HeatCore radiators. The company is also offering


regular contractor opportunities for installers who successfully complete the course, with the additional option of buying directly from the manufacturer. Fischer’s range of heating


products includes electric boilers, radiators and air source


heat pumps. Also available is an instant electric water heater – Aquafficient – which uses a single heating element and patented thermal storage technology to provide hot water – and Aquafficient Eco+, an energy saving solution which uses air as its main heating source. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/224/26


Since the launch of the Heat Training Grant, Options Skills has successfully delivered training to over 700 experienced gas engineers in air source and ground source heat pumps, paving the way for individuals to enhance their skills and knowledge in installation and maintenance. The government-funded project was introduced to train 6000 qualified heat pump installers in England. A £5m grant was provided to give experienced gas engineers the chance to gain heat pump training, with each receiving £500 towards the cost. Since the introduction of the grant in July 2023, Options Skills has successfully delivered training to 743 people, making significant strides towards the 6000 target. To achieve the government’s target to be Net Zero by 2050, more professionals will need to be trained to install and


maintain energy efficiency measures such as insulation and low carbon technologies. The introduction of heat pumps as a source to power the heating in our homes is part of achieving this target. Options Skills believes giving the workforce access to cost- effective and quality training is essential. The course by Options Skills is delivered by its own experienced instructors. They have been trained to high industry standards and typically have relevant industry experience themselves. The course is accredited by


LCL Awards, one of the Building Services Engineering (BSE) sector’s certification bodies. They are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), guaranteeing that trainees are receiving instruction that is both rigorous and meets industry standards. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/224/27


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