For a limited time only, plumbing and heating installers can access heavily discounted Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) training through renewables training provider, GTEC. Available at its nationwide centres, eligible trainees pay just £160, plus VAT* for the training which is designed for experienced plumbing and heating engineers and takes three days in total.
Offering a considerable saving – the LCL Awards Level 3 ASHP course usually costs £660 – interested parties will need to book quickly as there are only 260 places available. Training must be completed by the end of March 2024.
Funding has been awarded through Midlands Net Zero Hub, part of the Department of Energy, Sustainability & Net Zero (DESNEZ) ‘Heat Training Grant’ scheme.
Griff Thomas, MD for GTEC, said: “Upskilling into heat pumps is an ideal step for existing plumbing and heating installers.
“There is a considerable skills shortage of heat pump engineers, with demand far outstripping the number of suitably trained trades people. As we move forward into 2024, this demand will only increase, fuelled by the recent uplift in funding under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) – applications tripled in the week after the BUS was increased from £5,000 and £7,500 and have remained 60% higher ever since.”
Am I eligible?
The LCL Awards Level 3 Air Source Heat Pump qualification is designed for experienced plumbing and heating engineers. Suitable candidates should have a Level 2/3 SVQ or NVQ in plumbing, heating/ventilation gas or oil.
WRAS Water Regulations are also a pre-requisite, but these can be completed alongside ASHP training if necessary. Please note, there is no funding available for pre-requisite training.
What is the total cost?
Funded ASHP training is just £160. *VAT is payable on the original cost of the course, at £132. So, for a VAT registered business, the total cost would be £292.
Where can I train?
GTEC approved centres are located nationwide, including:
- North Yorkshire – GTEC’s HQ in Hawes
- Farnborough – City Plumbing Energy Efficiency Centre
- High Wycombe – Building Performance Hub
- Sunderland – SECON
- Axminster – Total Renewables Solutions
The discount is automatically applied but all courses must be booked through the GTEC site. If you are a City Plumbing customer, contact the Energy Efficiency Centre in Farnborough to book your course.
Don’t miss out
Griff expects demand to be high for this offer: “Even without financial incentives, there have been some exciting developments in heat pump delivery this year, including the option to spread costs through manufacturers such as Aira, which will see switching to a heat pump becoming affordable for many more people.
“We expect interest in our discounted heat pump training be high, so book now to avoid disappointment.”