Vaillant is supporting the inaugural cohort of Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprentices (LCHTA) accredited with the King’s Standard.
Vaillant has partnered with local Derby College Group, where the students will be based, to ensure that apprentices are able to take advantage of training with low carbon technology as its focus, a statement said. Previously, the sector specific apprenticeships have focused on traditional gas heating systems, with students required to complete additional learning to install equipment such as heat pumps.
The company said it is proud to be investing in 10 full-time, employed apprentices throughout their three year course. The new apprentices will eventually graduate as Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technicians.
In addition to the Level 3 Low Carbon Technologies qualification, Vaillant reported that the LCHTA apprentices will get a rounder view of working in the heating industry and how to conduct themselves in customer’s homes, to offer excellent customer experience and service. This includes additional qualifications and skills, such as plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, electrics and customer service, to ensure they are fully equipped to carry out quality work at every job, it noted.
The apprentices will also experience working across the Vaillant business to further their abilities and competencies as the course progresses. The second and third year will include a programme of on-the-job training with qualified heating engineers to provide further first-hand installation experience.
Mark Wilkins, training and technologies director at Vaillant, said: “Investing in young people and encouraging new entrants to the industry is paramount for the future of low carbon technologies. I was delighted to see such a huge interest in the Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship, and we have been overwhelmed with the amount of passion and drive that all applicants displayed.
“It is also encouraging to see a diverse group of applicants – we are seeing a shift in the industry, historically being male dominant, so it is exciting to be part of these changes, building the future workforce. The industry is developing, and there’s a fantastic support network out there for those interested in pursuing a career, no matter your background – there are opportunities for everyone. This is just the beginning and we’re looking forward to remaining invested in training up the future workforce of the heating industry.”
The course is recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and was developed by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) with support from employers across the low carbon heating sector including MCS certified contractors. It also forms part of the Green Apprenticeships holding the Kings Standard, launched to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, added: “I’m delighted to see the enthusiasm for our Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship and that Vaillant have worked closely with their local College to enable access onto the course.
“We need to develop a workforce that are equipped to support homeowners in heating and decarbonising their homes. It is therefore 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.”