In a move to address the need to attract more apprentices into the field, Vaillant is supporting the inaugural cohort of Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprentices (LCHTA) in partnership with Derby College Group, where the students will be based.
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.
Vaillant is investing in 10 full-time, employed apprentices throughout a 3-year course. The new apprentices will eventually graduate as a Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician.
In addition to the Level 3 Low Carbon Technologies qualification, where the LCHTA apprentices will get to grips with the latest heat pump and other low carbon technology essential for the role, they will also get a rounder view of working in the heating industry and how to conduct themselves in customer’s homes. This includes additional qualifications and skills, such as plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, electrics and customer service.
Demonstrating the increased demand for low carbon heating technology and renewables training, these first successful 10 applicants, aged 16 – 19, were selected from more than 60 candidates hailing from around the Derbyshire and East Midlands area.
The apprentices will also work 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 comments: “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.”
Carol Dixon, Director of Employer Partnerships at Derby College Group, added: “We are thrilled to be working with Vaillant to roll out the first Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship at Derby College Group. A great deal of work has gone into getting the course ready for this first cohort and we are delighted to be able to set these apprentices well on the way to a fulfilling career. As one of the largest heating manufacturers in the area, the support Vaillant has been able to provide to this group and in shaping the course, will go a long way to ensuring installers of the future have low carbon systems well within their skill set. We very much look forward to continuing to prepare engineers of the future as part of this partnership for years to come.”
