Bondholders team up to train future heating technicians

Heating technology giant Vaillant has teamed up with Derby College Group to help produce the next generation of heating technicians

The firm is working with the college to support the inaugural cohort of Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprentices (LCHTA) accredited with the King’s Standard.

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.

But according to Vaillant, which manufactures heat pumps at a facility on St. Modwen Park Derby, the partnership with the college means that for the first time, apprentices will be able to take advantage of training with low carbon technology as its focus.

Vaillant is investing in 10 full-time, employed apprentices throughout their three-year course, supporting the UK government to meet its targets of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028.

The new apprentices will eventually graduate as a Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician.

The LCHTA apprentices will also get to grips with the latest heat pump and other low carbon technology essential for the role, be given a rounder view of working in the heating industry and taught how to conduct themselves in customer’s homes, to offer excellent customer experience and service.

They will also benefit from experience gained from 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.”

Carol Dixon, director of employer partnerships at Derby College Group, said: “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 skillset.

“We very much look forward to continuing to prepare engineers of the future as part of this partnership for years to come.”