The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced that the trade body will become the shadow training provider for the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS).

“We anticipate that HNTAS will introduce several new roles and create new job opportunities for the sector,” said a DESNZ spokesperson. “The appointment of a Shadow Training Provider will facilitate the upskilling of the people needed to fulfil these roles”.

The £183,000 contract was awarded last week. The deal is due to run until November 2025.

Experts have described the sector as on the verge of an “immense” ten-year transformation, with the lack of skilled engineers considered a key challenge.

BESA will develop and deliver training courses throughout 2025 for those looking to undertake formal roles created by HNTAS before it goes live.

Independent consultant Phil Jones told attendees at the BESA National Conference in October that the sector would " need lots of people, with lots of skills, and we haven’t got them.”

DESNZ also said delivering training courses prior to the scheme’s launch would help prepare the sector to supply enough trained individuals to meet demand for HNTAS assessments.

The department noted that the training would be relevant to operators, developers, contractors and designers.

HNTAS comprises the requirements and assurance processes to ensure compliance with the technical specifications of upcoming regulations, including those for pipe insulation and water flow temperatures.

The scheme aims to ensure that heat networks, both new and old, meet the minimum standards of performance and reliability to cut carbon emissions, reduce costs, and improve customer experience.