By partnering with the local Derby College Group, where the students will be based, Vaillant has ensured that – for the first time – apprentices can take advantage of training with low-carbon technology as its focus.

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 their three-year course, supporting the UK government to meet their 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.

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, to offer excellent customer experience and service.

 This includes additional qualifications and skills, such as plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, electrics and customer service, to ensure they are fully equipped to carry out quality work at every job.

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.

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.

Each applicant impressed tutors and the heating manufacturer, following their involvement in several rounds of interviews and assessment days held at the college and Vaillant’s UK headquarters in Belper, Derbyshire.

Although the first cohort includes younger installers, the new LCHTA is open to those of all ages keen to expand their knowledge or even switch careers.

This partnership with Derby College Group is just beginning with more planned throughout 2024 and beyond to develop stronger low-carbon opportunities for those coming into the industry.

It expects to see thousands trained in the coming years from new entrants in the industry to experienced business owners; supporting a much-needed boost to those qualified to install new technologies, such as heat pumps.