Introducing Aspire, Vaillant’s heat pump training journey
Aspire is our game-changing new installer training journey, which aims to proudly support you in learning the skills you need to get ahead in low carbon heating technology
Vaillant has launched Aspire, our brand new installer training programme, to support you to upskill into heat pumps, and to help bridge the UK’s skills gap and decarbonise the heating industry.
The government has set a target of installing 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028, as part of its Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. But to make this a reality, we estimate that the industry needs to train 100,000 heat pump engineers to support this demand.
With about 1,500 accredited heat pump installer businesses in the UK, compared with around 130,000 gas installers, a massive increase in skilled engineers is needed in the next five years. So, by retraining and diversifying now, you can get ahead of the game and be ready to meet the increasing demand for heat pumps.
“The journey to decarbonisation is gathering pace, and ensuring the UK’s existing installer base is upskilled on low carbon technologies is central to achieving this,” says Mark Wilkins, Technologies and Training Director at Vaillant.
“Here at Vaillant, we recognise the role we play in ensuring those working in the industry can get not only the products but also the expert knowledge and support they need to deliver a low carbon future.”
What does Aspire involve?
Developed by Vaillant’s in-house team of training experts, Aspire is a modular learning pathway that aims to upskill existing heating installers so they can expand their businesses and transition to installing heat pumps.
Vaillant’s recent survey, which asked our loyal installers about their attitudes to retraining in low carbon technologies, found that more than four in five (82%) are keen to upskill in air source heat pumps over the next 12 months. However, many are concerned about losing income if they take time off to train.
But the Aspire journey blends online and hands-on training that is tailored to you and your business, so you don’t need to spend lots of time away from your tools.
In fact, if you’re a gas registered or traditional gas heat installer, you may be able to complete the training in as little as six days, depending on the qualifications you already have.
"The Aspire journey blends online and hands-on training that is tailored to you and your business, so you don’t need to spend lots of time away from your tools"
What topics does Aspire cover?
With 55% of installers in our survey preferring blended learning, Aspire comprises a mix of theory-based and practical modules delivered online and in person.
Accessed via The Vaillant Academy online training platform, the modules tackle subjects like heat loss and system design, wiring and setting up the controls.
Then, you can get hands-on at one of our six Centres of Excellence with sessions on maintenance, commissioning and fault finding on our game-changing aroTHERM plus air source heat pump.
And, as we know most installers are small enterprises, we’ve included modules to help you with industry processes and procedures – including demystifying the quality management system requirements – as well as soft skills like securing grant funding and educating homeowners about heat pumps.
What do I get at the end of the course?
Complete the Aspire journey and you’ll be eligible to join NAPIT who will provide a membership package combining MCS certification with registration on their Competent Persons Scheme, allowing self-certification of heat pump work under the Building Regulations. NAPIT also offer TrustMark registration as an option for an additional fee.
Plus, you can benefit from the advice and guidance of Vaillant’s System Sales and Design team on best-practice system design.
Our Aftersales team will provide on-site support to make sure your first installation meets Vaillant’s requirements. Your install also needs to meet industry standards to be eligible for any available grant schemes, so our team will be able to recommend any actions to take based on their findings.
Crucially, you’ll be in a prime position to diversify into installing heat pumps with confidence and ensure your business is fit for a low carbon future.