The UK Government announced on the 2nd of March (2023) that it will provide a £5 million grant through the new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, to help train heating engineers to install low-carbon heating. The grant will allow 10,000 installers to train, and each successful applicant will receive up to £500 to cover their low carbon training costs. Each grant awarded should cover almost all of the cost for a level 3 heat pump course, which will end in a valid qualification.
The government are hoping that this new grant will help to increase the number of green jobs in the UK. Helping the UK to reach its pledge of 2 million green jobs by 2030. Due to the unpredictability of energy and people struggling to heat their homes the government are hoping that this will improve and protect the UK’s heating industry.
The grant has been put in place after the Heat Pump Association (HPA) recommended that the UK Government did more to reach its targets for heat pump installation. In a report released by the Association, Pathway to Heat Pumps, it claimed that the UK Government should improve the heating industry by educating and training its installer workforce with low carbon and sustainable skills.
Those that are successful and begin this training may also find that they can apply for further discounts. Some members of HPA, including those within the manufacturing sector, have offered to put additional cost reductions in place to make the training much more affordable.
Phil Hurley, who is the Chairman of the Heat Pump Association (HPA) stated:
“Installers are the most important ambassadors of heat pumps to the consumer, and the HPA warmly welcomes this scheme to support them build on their existing skill base to become the green heating installers of the future.”
