Drayton Explains – HOW TO BECOME HEAT PUMP QUALIFIED

It’s hard to ignore the Government’s focus on heat pumps to reduce the carbon footprint of homes and businesses. It expects existing heating engineers to provide the bulk of the expected 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028.

However, with only around 4,500 trained heat pump engineers, the task to meet these targets means the current 150,000 Gas Safe Registered engineers will need to upskill. Read on to find out how gas engineers are being supported in their heat pump journey.

Are Heat Pumps Harder to Install Than Gas Boilers?

Heat pumps, in particular air source heat pumps (ASHPs), can actually be simpler to install than a gas boiler, so if you’re a gas engineer looking to become a heat pump installer, what’s the best route to follow?

How to Become Trained in Heat Pump Installation

Firstly, just like you would do before fitting your first boiler for a particular manufacturer, book onto the manufacturer’s training course. This gives you the best insight into the product you’ll be installing plus the opportunity to get “hands on” with the appliances.

Secondly, it’s worth attending an independent course, like you would with your ACS Assessment. This will ensure you get a good overview of all the requirements to install a heat pump.

Can You Get Financial Support for Heat Pump Training?

The good news is the Government has just announced the launch of the Heat Training Grant, with training providers in England participating in the scheme offering grants of up to £500 on eligible courses. In most cases you will receive the grant as a discount off the cost of the training.

Even more great news is that several heating manufacturers are offering further discounts and offers to participating trainees, which could be worth up to an extra £500 in product vouchers and further training.

How Long Does Heat Pump Training Take?

The training you receive will usually take at least 3 days, although it may be longer depending on your previous skills and experience.

The courses should cover all the skills needed for your business to install heat pumps as part of a Competent Person Scheme for installations in England and Wales,   and you can then join the Microgeneration Certification Scheme if you are intending to install heat pumps under government funding installation schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

How to Apply for Heat Pump Training

With demand for heat pump installations set to increase, now has never been a better time to upskill, so secure your discounted heat training grant course place by visiting Apply for the Heat Training Grant: discounted heat pump training - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)