New training schemes launch to improve skills in low-carbon heating

Two new government-backed training schemes have launched that could see up to 12,000 people in England gain skills in installing insulation and low-carbon heating.

Up to 8,000 people, including current installers and those new to the industry, will be able to develop skills needed to retrofit homes with insulation to reduce their energy usage the Home Decarbonisation Skills Training scheme.

A further 4,000 people will also be able to access grants of £500 towards training to install and maintain heat networks through the Heat Training Grant scheme.

A new Low Carbon Heating Technician apprenticeship programme has also been launched to support the delivery of boiler upgrade schemes by training people in the necessary skills at the start of their careers.

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said:

“The UK is a world leader when it comes to reducing carbon emissions, and we’re investing billions of pounds to help decarbonise the nation’s heating, saving homes and businesses energy and cutting bills.

“To do that we’re helping to improve the energy efficiency of homes and ensure they have access to cutting-edge low-carbon heating technologies such as heat pumps and heat networks.

“With consumer demand for these measures set to surge in the coming years, the funding announced today will help to create the skilled workforce that will be needed.”

The £8.85 million Home Decarbonisation Skills Training scheme will support free or low-cost courses at colleges and other training providers that can lead to a recognised qualification NVQ or equivalent.

The £5 million Heat Training Grant will offset the majority of the cost of training with five providers (BESA, Sycous, Chirpy Heating, Herts Energy Academy, and CIBSE) which will allow trainees to undergo practical training around the feasibility and design, construction, operation, and maintenance of heat networks. Eligible courses will run from October 2023 to April 2024.

The Low Carbon Heating Technician apprenticeship will be available across England and has been designed by industry experts. Jennifer Coupland, chief executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE), which designed the new training programme, said:

“Low carbon heating will be vital with supporting our nation’s drive to net zero by 2050. It’s no good making these leaps in technology if we don’t have thousands of people out there trained up to fit and maintain the pumps and other equipment.

“This apprenticeship will provide exciting opportunities for the next generation to establish themselves in a fast-growing sector and be available to people of all ages to upskill, so everyone reaps the career benefits and can play their part in making homes and the economy more sustainable.”

Ian Rippin, CEO of low-carbon standards body MCS, said:

“The launch of the UK’s first ever low-carbon heating technician apprenticeship marks a step towards a greener workforce for the future. Thousands more skilled and qualified installers will be needed to reach the nation’s net zero targets. Apprenticeships will form a vital part of achieving that goal and making the UK a world leader when it comes to green technology and jobs.

“The apprenticeship scheme will provide certainty to businesses who will know that their employees have the skills they need and that there is a pipeline of installers, helping to grow this vital part of the green economy.”