The Renewable Heat Installer Training & Support Scheme (RHITSS) launched at the start of the year, offered installers up to 70% off the training required to become a heat pump, solar thermal or biomass engineer – some of the most popular and accessible renewable technologies.
As of today (07/07/21) individual installers who missed out on the first round of vouchers have an opportunity to apply again.
All of the schemes 1,000 vouchers were initially taken up in a matter of days, however some installers haven’t come forward to book their training within the allotted timeframe. These unused vouchers are now available for building services engineers seeking a low cost way to take advantage of the market opportunities presented by renewables.
Managed by GTEC, funding covers renewable qualifications, plus any other pre-requisite courses – such as energy efficiency or hot water systems. Installers can choose to complete a suite of training or just individual qualifications, depending on their specific requirements.
Griff Thomas, MD for GTEC, said: “For existing plumbing and heating engineers, training in the most popular renewable technologies is a great way to future proof a business. At the moment, there are not enough qualified heat pump installers to meet the predicted demand, upskilling into this and other areas like solar thermal, will ensure work for many years to come.
“The modern heating engineer needs to be trained in a range of technologies to meet the more varied requirements of low carbon buildings. The RHITTS scheme offers an amazing opportunity to do this cost-effectively, covering all the necessary qualifications.”
Training is delivered through LCL Awards and BPEC centres. LCL Awards approved GTEC is one of the most established and well-equipped centres in the country, ideal for installers in Yorkshire and surrounding areas (GTEC’s centre is in Hawes, North Yorkshire).
Funding is available for:
- Technology specific training in:
- Heat pumps
- Solar thermal
- Biomass
- Supporting qualifications:
- Hot Water Systems & Safety (G3)
- Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating
- WRAS Water Regulations
Funding can be used for any of these qualifications individually – you do not have to undertake a renewable qualification – or in combination, i.e. heat pumps and WRAS, for example.
Vouchers are available on a first come first service. Please apply by calling GTEC direct: 01969 666111 or book your voucher by visiting: www.rhitss.co.uk
About the RHITSS: The RHITSS was set-up by GTEC and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). The partnership won a bid for almost £1M to help existing trades people access discounted training in heat pumps, biomass and solar thermal. The scheme is backed by The Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) through the Midlands Energy Hub.
Apart from specific renewable qualifications, the vouchers also cover supporting courses such as energy efficiency for domestic heating, WRAS water regulations and hot water systems and safety. Vouchers can be used towards some or all of these qualifications.
About GTEC: Based in Hawes, North Yorkshire, GTEC specialises in the provision of renewable, domestic energy, oil and electrical courses, including bespoke training programs. The company also offers expert witness and many other specialist services within the building service industry.
