Supporting installers with green aspirations

In 2023, we launched our Aspire training programme to help increase the number of heat pump installers in the UK who will be able to support the Government’s target to install 600k heat pumps a year by 2028

Monday 23rd September 2024

Aspire is Vaillant’s specialised learning pathway that is designed to support installers upskill and expand their businesses into heat pump technology. Each Aspire pathway is bespoke to each individual and their current skill set, with a mix of online and face-to-face modules held in one of Vaillant’s six Centres of Excellence.

Aspire is aligned with both NAPIT and MCS to ensure the mandatory technical competencies are met throughout, so completion of the course can result in accreditation. This will be fundamental for installers when they are putting their heat pump training into practice.

Jamie Eccles, Director of Eccles Heating Ltd, is currently on his own Aspire journey. So, we’ve taken the opportunity to hear first-hand on why he chose Vaillant to support his heat pump training.

Q: So, Jamie, what sparked your interest to sign up to Vaillant’s Aspire training course?

A: We have been installing Vaillant boilers for years, so it made sense that we move towards fitting heat pumps. Aspire is tailored to your needs and we felt it was particularly suited to sole traders and small heating businesses such as ours. We make up a huge percentage of the industry so it’s really important we are investing in our heat pump journey now, so we are prepared for a low carbon future.

Q: What changes have you noticed in the industry?

A: The government’s proposed ban of the sale of new gas boilers by 2035 is already being reflected in our current business dealings and conversations with customers. We are seeing an increasing number of customers asking about heat pumps and it’s quite common for us to receive heat pump enquiries almost daily. Heat pumps are going to be a major part of the heating industry in the not-too-distant future – and I don’t want us to be left behind.

Q: Why did you choose to expand into heat pump technology?

A: My business is looking to diversify into renewables, and I want us to be ready for the future of the heating industry. Both me and my co-worker are under 40 so we’ve got a lot of years left in our careers. I don’t want to be left behind, fitting boilers while the rest of the world moves on.

Q: What are the benefits to installing heat pumps?

A: Additional heat pump expertise will really help with our business revenue. These are usually large installations, with additional products required from radiators to controls. There is a significant amount of opportunity for smaller heating businesses like mine to capitalise on and the sooner we are upskilled the better.

Q: The Aspire training journey includes both in-centre and on-demand learning, were you able to complete the online modules around the busy schedule of running your own business?

A: To be honest I was a little anxious about the online aspect of the training as I’m much better with practical stuff and getting my hands dirty! But the online portal was so straightforward and once you’re in there it clearly sets out where you are in the training journey so you can see where you’re going. It makes a lot of sense to have the knowledge basics online – there’s really no need for this to be face-to-face and means we can do the training in our own time. We’re so busy and time really is money for installers, so it’s great to have that flexibility.

Q: How did the in-centre training compare?

A: I have really enjoyed the face-to-face training and the Vaillant training centre in Glasgow is by far the best I have ever set foot in. John, our trainer, took us through Level 1 and 2 of Understanding Heat Pumps and we really got to grips with the Vaillant products. In one session we got to strip down a heat pump and put it back together, so I feel like I really know how each part fits together and operates.

Q: Now you’re at the final stages of your Aspire learning pathway, what are your next steps?

A: I’ve already worked on a few heat pump installs with a renewables company, so it’s now just a case of finding the right project for my independent install. I’m really looking forward to completing this – and reaping the rewards of the Aspire training through increased opportunities for my business.