Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship
The UK’s first ever dedicated Low Carbon Heating Apprenticeship
The Low-Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship will equip a new generation of workers in support of the Government’s target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028, as the nation shifts away from fossil fuel heating systems and onto renewables.
We estimate that the UK will require around 39,000 qualified heat pump installers by the end of the decade if we are to meet Government targets for the installation of the renewable energy-powered heating systems. Currently, there is no dedicated training provision for heat pump engineers and the Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship is a UK-first, dedicated to developing the skills needed to design, install and commission low-carbon heating technologies.
THE LOW CARBON HEATING TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIP EXPLAINED
The new apprenticeship was developed by MCS, in collaboration with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and a trailblazer group of heat pump installers.
Earlier this year, the apprenticeship was hand-picked by industry experts from IfATE to mark King Charles III’s Coronation in recognition of the important contribution it can make towards encouraging more people to take up careers in green industries. It is one of six green apprenticeships to carry the coronation emblem.
SKILLS FOR THE INDUSTRY
The apprenticeship has now been allocated a funding band by the Department for Education, meaning colleges will receive up to £22,000 for every apprentice. Industry experts say this attractive funding support will help ensure that colleges have the resources they need to support apprentices from all backgrounds wanting a career in the renewables sector. The funding band is higher than that allocated for equivalent apprenticeships for fossil fuel heating systems.
Heat pump installation rates are increasing, and the Government has a target of reaching 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028 across the UK. Suitably trained and experienced engineers will be needed to meet this demand.
apprenticeship grants are available
The Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship has been supported by The MCS Foundation, contributing to their mission to achieve a carbon-free and future-proofed heating system for every home, they have overseen the development and roll-out across many training providers as well as the launch of a grant programme.
Businesses installing low-carbon heating technologies can apply for up to £2000 towards the associated costs once their apprentice has completed 6 months of employment.
There is support available to training providers, employers and apprentices.
Eligibility criteria are set out in the application forms on The MCS Foundation website. To apply please fill out the relevant application form and email to info@mcsfoundation.org.uk.