Training to install heat pumps

Heat pump training has been around for some years, but these days there is a new wave of interest thanks to the Heat and Buildings Strategy and the Future Homes Standard. Learning centres in this area range from private training providers and colleges, to manufacturers, professional or trade bodies and awarding organisations. However, there are also some that are enticing installers with courses that seem too good to be true.

Gas Safe Registered installers are probably the largest single group that will be impacted by the reduction in the use of fossil fuels. Then, of course, there will be oil engineers, HETAS-recognised installers and those already doing other renewable energy courses via the MCS register.

A sensible starting point when considering any new training might be to ask what your business requires and whether your training needs are in the long term or short term. Are you seeking to train only on air source heat pumps, or across the range of units available? The breadth of training varies from one manufacturer or training centre to another, so it’s worth doing your research to identify a starting point and setting a training budget.

Design

Installers will need to start with a thorough knowledge about the environment and customers’ expectations before they decide that a heat pump is suitable.

The priority is to understand that each case will merit a unique design, which will address: • heat loss through the building fabric and heat input;

• hot water usage and sizing for lower temperatures, which could lead to a bigger cylinder and heat exchanger;

• pipe sizing – just because the heat pump connections might be 22mm doesn’t necessarily mean that the pipes are the same size;

• radiators will likely need to be larger, especially in a refurbishment project.

This is where those who design will learn the concepts required from the previous high temperature methods applied.

Courses

The CIPHE has been one of the first organsiations to roll out a digital designing programme for lower temperature heating and hot water systems. Its Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Systems in Dwellings qualification contains everything required for the designer and installer to upskill their knowledge. The accredited and certificated course is run in conjunction with LCL Awards Heat Pump training, via their many centres.

Completion of this course is one of the entry criteria for taking the new installers’ course from the Heat Pump Association (heatpumps.org.uk). This course, developed in parallel with the CIPHE’s qualification and launched last year, consists of a two-day foundation followed by a further day focusing on either air source or ground source heat pumps specifically, and it is delivered through training centres of some of Britain’s major heat pump companies.

Manufacturers are ahead of the field with product-specific training. This is to be expected as they are familiar with the technology, which is developing quickly.

Manufacturers’ courses range from one, two or three days, based upon the appliances and depth of knowledge across their range. The skills of installation are mostly going to be developed on the job, as you can’t expect everyone in attendance to install one in every possible scenario.

The advantages of undertaking manufacturers’ training could include:

• specific product knowledge

• excellent technical support

• flexible delivery

• high quality facilities and training with some offering manufacturers’ software to work with afterwards

• incentives given to train up and increase business turnover

• they might offer one free commissioning visit

• more training locations.

The criteria for accessing the courses varies from one manufacturer or training centre to another. However, they are aimed at those with experience, not new entrants.

Colleges are gearing up to train people to use these technologies and, although some have been delivering renewables in the past, new equipment is on the way.

The government has allocated investment into the further education sector for this shift away from high carbon fuels, so many colleges are either building new training areas or adapting them. Not all are ready yet – college staff need to be trained up as well.

Entry to college training programmes is like that of a manufacturer, but most of their offerings are accredited/certificated with further training opportunities available. Accredited courses are held with BPEC and LCL Awards, with the former currently being reviewed. City and Guilds is looking into the viability of running a course and EAL may follow suit. The CIPHE recommends the certificated route.

Starting out

New entrants completing the level 3 apprenticeship, which incorporates a renewables route, will learn about more than just heat pumps. You can apply for a fully funded level 3 plumbing course at your local college until July 2022 (this may be extended).

It is anticipated that a new Low Carbon Apprenticeship Standard will be launched this year. At present there are no age limits for access to apprenticeships. You can also enquire about the National Skills Fund. This means you might get the level 3 course totally free, saving thousands of pounds if you don’t already possess a level 3 qualification.

There are some courses being offered which say they will take someone from novice to fully qualified at level 3 plumbing and heating, plus gas installations and work experience. However, the cost in most cases is astronomical and the delivery is spread over two or three years with much of the learning online. You really need to scrutinise these courses. Whenever something new hits the market there is always an increased risk of scams taking advantage of it. Check out how many times the training providers have come and gone under different names, and ask the CIPHE for advice if needed.

Cost

While some heat pump training is free, the cost can rise to £600 plus VAT. Some manufacturers provide free or incentivised training to attract new installers for their products and forge a long-term relationship.

Education on low-carbon heating products is being developed across a range of areas and there are some great courses with varying costs, but before signing up to anything, ensure you do your homework. A blend of manufacturer, accredited and certificated training is going to give the best recognised achievements. If seeking an apprenticeship through your local college, get in early as spaces might be limited.

Everyone should have knowledge of designing the system before selecting the heat source, which is why the CIPHE’s new Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Systems in Dwellings course is a great starting point.