It’s now easier than ever for heat pump installers to make voucher applications under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).

As of the 28^th November 2022, installers are able to use a digital portal to make and monitor the progress of BUS applications. This should simplify the process and encourage greater uptake of the scheme.

What do installers need to know?

• Manual applications under the BUS will end on Monday 5^th December 2022
• BUS registered installers will receive an email with login details for the digital portal
• Ofgem has released a video with step-by-step guidance, which can be viewed here
• To join the BUS, they need to be qualified in heat pump installation and design and MCS certified

What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

Launched in April 2022, the BUS will stimulate demand for heat pumps, replacing 90,000 old gas and oil boilers with efficient, low-carbon heat pump systems over the next three years.

For installers, it provides an opportunity to train for growth in the heat pump sector.

Does the UK need more heat pump installers?

Short answer: yes!

The government has set a target of 600,000 heat pump installations every year by 2028; a significant jump from current figures of around 30,000.

According to a recent report by Nesta, there are around 3,000 heat pump installers in the UK, but to meet these targets we will need at least 27,000 in the next six years.

The Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is investing heavily in heat pump training though the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP) – including the Heat Pump Ready Programme.

Should my training centre deliver heat pump qualifications?

If you count plumbing & heating installers amongst your customer base, then yes!

Heat pumps are the leading low-carbon technology that will help the UK to decarbonise heat from domestic buildings by 2050. Most growth in the installer base will come from existing plumbing & heating installers building on their skills and experience in the industry.

LCL Awards Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Heat Pump Systems (non-refrigerant circuits) qualification is an upskill that usually takes around a week to deliver.

The Government is serious about its commitment to heat pumps and training centres have an opportunity to play their part in upskilling the army of low-carbon installers required to deliver, install and maintain the heating systems of the future.

Want to find out more?

If you are an existing LCL Awards Approved Centre interested in delivering heat pump qualifications, please get in touch.

Alternatively, if you are interested in becoming an LCL Awards Approved Centre, contact us and we will arrange for one of our Business Development team to discuss your requirements.