Heat Pump Association launches course to train thousands of installers

A new course has been launched with the capacity to train more heat pump installers than will be required to meet the government’s target to fit 600,000 of the devices per annum by 2028.

It aims to provide the UK’s 130,000-plus installers of gas and oil boilers with the additional skills needed to specify and fit heat pumps correctly.

Launched by the Heat Pump Association (HPA), the course will be available for bookings across 38 training centres spread across the UK, with the ability to train over 40,000 installers each year.

The HPA’s roadmap for the roll out of heat pumps, estimated that 27,000 installers would be required by 2028.

In a report published by the Independent Networks Association, EY calculated there are currently just 1,200 installers qualified to fit heat pumps in UK homes.

The Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a green industrial revolution, published in November last year, outlined a target to install 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028.

Those taking the course must already have completed NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Level 2 in Plumbing and Heating or equivalent together with a Low Temperature Heating Systems Course.

The course will be split into two stages. The first will be a two-day Heat Pump Foundation Course. This will be followed by a one-day individual heat pump technology course, focusing either on air or ground source devices.

The course will be available for the plumbers and installers to access through the training centres of all the major heating manufacturers

At the end of the course, the installer will receive an official qualification recognised by Ofqual, which is not currently available for other heat pump training.

Welcoming the new course, business and energy secretary of state Kwasi Kwarteng said the government is “absolutely committed” to working with industry to cut the costs of installing heat pumps.

He said: “While heat pumps are fast becoming a natural option for households, we need to ensure we have enough skilled tradespeople to hit our target of 600,000 installations each year by 2028 – so the Heat Pump Association setting up this training scheme is absolutely critical in this endeavour.”

Phil Hurley, chair of the HPA, said: “The heat pump industry is now fully equipped to lead the way in transforming the way homes are heated to reduce carbon and lower energy bills.

“Importantly, we are also supporting plans to build back better through upskilling existing heating installers so that they are equipped with the tools and skills they need to allow consumers to access heat pumps as a solution to decarbonise their homes.”