In partnership with the National Open College Network (NOCN) and the MCS Foundation, the Edinburgh-based training centre will be the first in Scotland to offer the NOCN Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Diploma.

The qualification will provide a structured route into the renewables industry, eliminating the traditional requirement to complete a plumbing and heating apprenticeship before upskilling in low-carbon technology.

Initially open to military service leavers, the course is backed by the Ministry of Defence’s Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Scheme. This scheme supports former personnel in retraining for civilian careers by providing financial support for three years of higher learning.

ETA co-founder Andrew Lamond, who transitioned from the Royal Navy to a career as a gas engineer in 2008, sees the initiative as a vital step in addressing the skills shortage in Scotland’s renewables sector.

Mr Lamond cited figures indicating that approximately 1200 military service leavers transition to civilian life in Scotland each year and thanked the MOD for the Enhanced Learning Credit Administration Services (ELCAS) funding made available to help service leavers on the next stage of their professional journey.

“It’s a 12-month notice period to leave the MOD. With this available at the academy, leavers will be aware of what is out there and hopefully influence their decision going forward,” he said, adding that service leavers “are the type of characters who make good quality candidates”.

“I started with Scottish Gas six months after leaving the Navy after going through a managed learning programme for gas. We’re offering similar but for low carbon heating to meet the industry changes as we transition towards a greener, more sustainable future.”

The two-year programme will blend classroom learning with hands-on work experience. Graduates will gain expertise in planning, selecting, installing, commissioning, servicing and maintaining low-carbon heating systems, specifically focusing on air-source heat pumps.