PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2024 28 Training& Education
Preparing for a multi- technology future
Installers who diversify can lead the way in a multi-technology low carbon future, and training is the best way to ensure that you have the skills needed to adapt to a changing landscape, says Malcolm Farrow from OFTEC
corner, it sometimes feels like decisions at Westminster have stalled. The government pushed back its deadline for its proposed ban on the installation of fossil fuel boilers, and very few policy announcements have followed. The temptation for
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installers could be to carry on as normal. However, the reality is that while there is a momentary delay, the direction of travel is clear. The UK is committed to net zero and change is coming. Right now, installers have a unique opportunity to diversify and put themselves
Malcolm Farrow Head of public affairs at OFTEC
ith a general election around the
in prime position in this changing market. The off -grid sector in
particular will be at the forefront of the UK’s net zero ambitions. The heat pump market continues to grow, albeit not as quickly as the government had envisaged. One of the biggest challenges is the shortage of qualifi ed installers. According to industry
estimates, there are currently 3,000 heat pump installers but this will need to increase to at least 50,000 to achieve the UK target of 600,000 installations per year by 2028. This means there
are huge opportunities for technicians in a market where their skills will be in high demand.
CELEBRATING OVER 20 YEARS OF TRAINING EXCELLENCE
OFTEC now off ers heat pump training Alongside heat pumps, decision makers in
Westminster increasingly recognise the long term role of liquid fuels. There are 1.7 million oil heated homes in the UK and for many the transition to heat pumps isn’t practical or aff ordable due to the housing stock. That’s the reality and why the industry’s work on renewable liquid fuels has been so important to ensure these households have a choice of how they decarbonise. There are also other secondary
technologies which are often relied upon in oil heated homes. For example, there are an estimated 1.5 million wood burning stoves in the UK and there is no indication these are going to be phased out. Shifting these oil heated properties onto a singular technology isn’t realistic. The future is multi- technology, encompassing liquid fuels, heat pumps and other supporting technologies.
Heat pump training now available...
NORTHOLT | LUTON | BASILDON | SITTINGBOURNE
Access all areas The opportunities in the off -grid market are therefore huge. But the diversifi cation into heat pumps also opens up the opportunity for technicians to install the technology in homes on the gas network. Installers who diversify and add more heating technologies to their skill set will be in prime position to grow their customer base and futureproof their business. Alongside this, installers will be playing a central role in supporting the UK’s transition into low carbon heating. Now is the ideal time to act. That’s why the focus on training is so
important, to support this diversifi cation. This includes both qualifi cations for installing diff erent types of heating systems but also continuously learning to ensure compliance with Building Regulations and industry standards which are continually updated. The central role of consumers in how the
future off -grid market shapes up should also not be underestimated. As well as growing demand for the technical skills to install a wider range of technologies, increasingly consumers seek advice and guidance to navigate the increasingly complex landscape. Technicians with a full scope of
technologies can deliver genuine and impartial advice for consumers. The starting point is not a preferred technology, but understanding the property and advising what the optimal solution is to deliver the best outcome. This is only achievable if
technicians are equipped with the skill set for the full mix of technologies.
Trusted technicians The regulations and accreditation in the domestic heating market are also confusing for consumers. With a growing awareness of rogue traders seeking to take advantage of households in this situation, consumers increasingly want qualifi ed technicians they can trust. That’s why at OFTEC we have continued
to invest heavily in our training and registration off erings. We’re looking to the future and ensuring technicians are in the best position to lead the way in the changing off -grid landscape. To achieve this, our registration scheme
is technology neutral and we off er scopes for liquid fuels, heat pumps, solid fuel, solar thermal and other renewables. Technicians can equip themselves with all the skills they need to grow in this multi technology market through a single, well recognised and trusted competent person scheme.
Learning opportunities OFTEC delivers training for liquid fuels, solid fuels and heat pumps through our network of over 100 approved training centres. Multiple courses are available and, once completed, technicians can apply for their OFTEC registration. This will typically involve an on-site inspection of an example of your work and assessment of the business. Once registered, OFTEC technicians can self-certify their work and access numerous benefi ts such as free technical support and regular industry updates. Training is a long term commitment and,
once registered, we continually provide learning opportunities, technical advice through our expert team, updated technical manuals and wider resources which stays ahead of industry trends and regulations. The off -grid sector is changing but this
doesn’t need to be approached with concern or scepticism. There are real opportunities for installers and the wider industry to lead the way in this evolving market, but now is the time to act. Fundamentally, regardless of the
technology, our commitment will continue to be to deliver safe and aff ordable heating systems to consumers. ◼
phamnews.co.uk/624/18
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