From gas to green: pioneering the future of home heating in derby

At Derby Colleges Group, a new course has been developed to directly supply the green workforce with heat pump engineers. As of September 2023, 10 full-time learners were enrolled on the brand-new Level 3 low carbon heating technician apprenticeship, thanks to funding by heating manufacturer Valliant.

Previously, the sector specific apprenticeships have focused on traditional gas heating systems, with students required to complete additional learning to install equipment 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.

LCHTA apprentices will get to grips with the latest heat pump and other low carbon technology essential for the role, while also getting 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. 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.

Plans are in place to expand the provision, with the college group expecting to train thousands 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.