The apprenticeship – developed in collaboration with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) – will equip a new generation of workers in support of the government’s target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028.
MCS estimates that the UK will require 39,000 qualified heat pump installers by the end of the decade to meet Government targets for the installation of the renewable energy-powered heating systems.
According to MCS, the UK needs to develop a dedicated pipeline of future talent now to make electrification of the country’s heat possible.
Earlier this year, the apprenticeship was hand-picked by industry experts from IfATE to mark King Charles III’s Coronation in recognition of the contribution it can make towards encouraging more people to take up careers in green industries. It is one of six green apprenticeships to carry the coronation emblem.
The apprenticeship has now been allocated a funding band by the Department for Education, meaning colleges will receive up to £22,000 for every apprentice. This funding support is expected to help ensure that colleges have the resources they need to support apprentices from all backgrounds wanting a career in the renewables sector.
MCS CEO Ian Rippin said of the apprenticeship: “We are pleased that the UK’s first ever heat pump apprenticeship received government approval.
“Until now, the focus of the country’s efforts to increase our number of low-carbon heating installers have been delivered through short upskilling courses targeted at already qualified plumbers and traditional fossil fuel heating engineers.
“It is critical that we have dedicated pathways to develop an army of renewable heating installers with certifiable skills who know how to design and fit these systems efficiently. Most importantly, this workforce will know how to support homeowners in heating and decarbonising their homes.”
Chief executive of the IfATE Jennifer Coupland, said: “Low-carbon heating is at the cutting edge of green tech, and it has been inspiring to work closely with expert employers to create this new opportunity for environmentally minded apprentices.”
“This apprenticeship is one of the six IfATE marked with the Coronation emblem earlier this year because it represents the gold-standard for green skills and will ensure employers can access the skilled workforce needed to support the UK in its critical transition to Net Zero.
“We look forward to seeing it being implemented and urge many employers to offer placements as we all have a role to play in tackling climate change and creating green careers that will stand the test of time.”