Vaillant and Derby College welcome the UK’s first 10 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprentices
Making a UK first and contributing to the enormous challenge of attracting apprentices into this growing field, we’re delighted to be supporting the first cohort of Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprentices (LCHTA) accredited with the King’s standard
Tuesday 6 February 2024
Partnering with Derby College has ensured that – for the first time – apprentices are able to take advantage of training that has low carbon technology as its focus. Previously, heating apprenticeships have focused around traditional gas heating systems, with students required to complete additional learning to install equipment such as heat pumps.
We’re proud to be investing in 10 full-time employed apprentices through their 3-year course, supporting the UK Government to meet their targets of installing 600K heat pumps a year by 2028. The new apprentices will eventually graduate with a Level 3 qualification in Low Carbon Technologies.
In addition to the Level 3 Low Carbon Technologies qualification, where the LCHTA apprentices will not only get to grips with the latest heat pump and other low carbon technology essential for the role, but also get a rounder view of working in the heating industry, and how to conduct themselves in customer’s homes to offer excellent customer experience and service. This includes additional qualifications and skills, such as plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, electrics and customer service, to ensure they are fully equipped to carry out quality work at every job. They will also benefit from experience gained from working across the Vaillant business to further their skills and competencies as the course progresses. The second and third year will include a programme of on-the-job training with qualified heating engineers to provide further first-hand installation experience.
Demonstrating the increased demand for low carbon technology and renewables training, these first successful 10 applicants, aged 16-19, were selected from more than 60 candidates hailing from around the Derbyshire and East Midlands area. Although the first cohort includes younger installers, the new LCHTA is open to those of all ages keen to expand their knowledge or even switch their careers.
Mark Wilkins, Training and Technologies Director at Vaillant:
"Investing in young people and encouraging new entrants to the industry is paramount for the future of low carbon technologies. I was delighted to see such a huge interest in the LCHTA, and we have been overwhelmed with the amount of passion and drive that all applicants displayed… The industry is developing, and there’s a fantastic support network out there for those interested in pursuing a career, no matter your background – there are opportunities for everyone. This is just the beginning and we’re looking forward to remain invested in training up the future workforce of the heating industry."
Carol Dixon, Director of Business Partnerships at Derby College:
"We are extremely proud to be working with Vaillant to roll out the first Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship at Derby College. A great deal of work has gone into getting the course ready for this first cohort and we are delighted to be able to set these apprentices well on the way to a fulfilling career. As one of the largest heating manufacturers in the area, the support Vaillant has been able to provide to this group and in shaping the course will go a long way to ensuring the installers of the future have low carbon systems well within their skill set."
This partnership with Derby College is just the beginning, with more planned throughout 2024 and beyond, with the aim of developing stronger low carbon opportunities for those coming into the industry. It expects to see thousands trained in the coming years from new entrants in the industry to experienced business owners; supporting a much-needed boost to those qualified to install new technologies, such as heat pumps.
The course is recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and was developed by MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) with support from employers across the low carbon heating sector including MCS certified contractors. It also forms part of the Green Apprenticeships holding the Kings Standard, launched to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS: