NICEIC is urging heating and plumbing engineers to start upskilling in preparation for growing demand for low-carbon energy solutions.
NICEIC Technical Director Paul Collins commented: “With a variety of heating incentives and grants available, it is likely that plumbing and heating engineers will see an increase in demand for low-carbon, energy efficient and renewable technologies. This means that installers need to be fully clued up on the latest and most advanced solutions so that they can not only advise their customers, but also be skilled on the installation of these new technologies.
“With this, it is now more crucial than ever that they invest in upskilling and they can do this by undertaking training and increasing their knowledge – especially when it comes to electrical installations. From solar thermal through to heat pumps, the range of low carbon technologies available now is vast. Those installers who do invest in good training and have a solid understanding of electrical requirements, will be better placed to unlock the opportunity.”
NICEIC has developed a new range of qualifications for heating and plumbing engineers seeking to upskill their knowledge and competence in key emerging low carbon categories.
NICEIC defines the new qualifications as:
Solar Thermal Hot Water
The training and assessment have been designed to provide the necessary skills for the design, installation, testing, commissioning, handover, servicing and fault-finding of solar thermal hot water systems in accordance with the latest NOS/QCF criteria.
Heat Pumps
The training and assessment have been designed to provide the necessary skills for the design, installation, testing, commissioning, handover, servicing and fault-finding of ground and air source heat pump systems in accordance with the latest NOS/QCF criteria and MCS scheme requirements.
NICEIC Head of Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, Neil Vincent commented: “As crucial contributors to achieving net-zero, plumbing and heating engineers play a vital role in the nation’s transition to not only heat pumps but other low carbon technologies. However, to facilitate this switch they need to upskill and collaborate effectively with electrical contractors. Our new offering reflects these needs, and we are thrilled to bring these new courses to the heating and plumbing market.”
