Yesterday (24th October) saw Logic Certification play host to Energy Secretary, Ed Davey and the launch of a new £500,000 training voucher scheme in a bid to raise the skills set of existing plumbing and heating engineers, equipping them with the expertise needed to install and maintain renewable heating systems.
It is hoped that the scheme, which offers up to £500 or 75 per cent (including VAT) of the cost of training, will prove the necessary incentive for engineers looking to break-in to the 'green' market place, ensuring the industry is appropriately skilled to meet demand when the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive kicks in early next year.
Apprentices will also receive the support they need from a free 'green' apprenticeship places designed to encourage fresh talent to the renewables sector, making it more affordable for new entrants to gain the relevant qualifications needed.
The vouchers will cover training on:
- Solar thermal - (QCF only)
- Heat pumps (air and ground source) - (QCF only)
- Biomass
A maximum of five vouchers per company will be available to applicants and to be eligible the company must be a small to medium enterprise (SME).
How do I apply for a voucher
Initially, installers should register their interest at www.rhitraining.co.uk, or by calling the helpline 0844 870 9459. Vouchers will be issued on a first come first served basis. There is a limited pot of money available so we suggest you register as soon as possible. As soon as the scheme is up and running fully, we'll let you know.
It is expected that Logic Certification's QCF renewable qualifications in solar thermal and heat pumps will be eligible for the voucher scheme, with biomass coming on board in the near future. You can only use the vouchers with approved training organisations who must also be registered for the scheme. Any Logic Certification approved QCF centre which delivers these qualifications will be eligable to receive the vouchers so long as they have also registered their interest and have been approved under the scheme. To find your nearest centre, click here.
Renewable raining centres can register their interest to be able to deliver approved renewable training under the scheme by logging on to www.rhitraining.co.uk
The Department of Energy and Climate Change's (DECC) official press release can be read here: