Working in conjunction with the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) and the Midlands Net Zero Hub, the courses are fully funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

The first course is the Heat Networks Foundation Course.  Worth £150 and fully funded (although a £30 refundable deposit is required), it is suitable for everyone working in the building engineering services industry, both technical and non-technical.  This hour-long online introductory course provides an overall awareness of heat networks, including the basic principles and key components, diversified loads and the importance of water treatment.

The other course on offer is the Heat Networks Installation and Maintenance Course, which is accredited by BESA.  This fully funded course is worth £500 (requiring a £50 refundable deposit to secure a place), and has been designed for qualified heating, plumbing and RAC engineers who would like to enter the heat network field.

The course consists of two parts.  The first part is online theory, consisting of eight, self-paced modules.  These include health and safety, installation and commissioning, performance monitoring and handover, and fault finding.

The second part is a one-day practical session held in one of four training centres across the UK, giving delegates the opportunity to get hands on with heat networks, and put the theory they’ve learned into practice.

Steve McConnell, director, MEHNA, explains: “Ofgem and DESNZ have published a joint consultation on consumer protection and technical standards for heat networks, that will inform the regulatory framework that heat network operators and suppliers will need to comply with.  The new framework must also support investment in this growing sector and the government’s net zero targets.

“As the sector grows, the demand for well-trained engineers who can design, implement and manage reliable, cost effective and efficient heat networks will also increase.  The aim of these courses is to help engineers upskill, giving them practical knowledge that will help them diversify their businesses and tap into new income streams.”

For more information or to secure a fully funded training place, visit https://www.thebesa.com/heat-networks-courses#HN-1-Course