That’s the message from OFTEC which has highlighted the new funding available to grow the UK’s Net Zero workforce as young people leave school this summer and consider their career options.

The Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship (LCHTA) is the first dedicated training provision for heat pump engineers in the UK. It was chosen by the industry to mark King Charles III’s Coronation as one of the apprenticeships that can help tackle the climate emergency.

In most cases, the training provision on the apprenticeship will be 95% to 100% funded. For businesses paying the apprenticeship levy, training will be 100% funded. For non-levy payers, up to 95% of training costs can be funded.

LCHTA will be available for students from the start of the new academic year in September and will help equip a new generation of heating technicians with the skills needed to design, install and commission low-carbon heating technologies.

The apprenticeship has been allocated one of the highest funding bands by the Department for Education and training providers will receive up to £22,000 for every apprentice. The scheme has been developed in partnership with IfATE, the Employer Trailblazer Group and MCS.

David Knipe, Technical and Training Manager at OFTEC, commented: “Over the next few years, the drive towards low carbon heating is going to really accelerate which means there will be huge opportunities for heating businesses working in the industry.

“Installers will be key to delivering this transition, but we recognise the current skills shortage can be a barrier. That’s why apprenticeships are so important, as they provide an affordable and practical route for heating businesses to develop the people the need and will enable them to expand into new technologies and markets. With students finishing school this summer, now is the perfect time to explore the opportunities through the LCHTA funding.”

To further accelerate the uptake of apprenticeships in the heating industry, OFTEC is offering a free one year registration to apprentices who work for an OFTEC registered business once they have completed a Level 3 course in heating and plumbing.

Whilst the LCHTA funding is only available for low carbon technologies, OFTEC registration is wider in scope as it encompasses liquid fuels and other technologies. The trade association is committed to securing government support for renewable liquid fuels which means there is expected be a strong market for this technology in the off-grid sector.

David added: “Apprenticeships deliver huge opportunities for both students and employees which is why we are supporting registered technicians by offering their apprentices free OFTEC registration for the first year. As we transition to low carbon heating, consumers will be looking for competent and trusted installers so registered technicians will have a huge role to play.

“If registered technicians currently employ, or are in the process of employing, an apprentice, once they have qualified, you can add your apprentice to your OFTEC registration free of charge. This will enable them to gain the status of a registered technician on OFTEC’s competent person scheme, under your business registration, and recognise their achievement.”

To qualify for one year’s free registration, apprentices must have completed a Level 3 course in heating and plumbing and their technology pathway must align with their application for registration such as liquid fuels, renewables or solid fuels. To apply, apprentices should send their certification along with their schedule of units with their application form to OFTEC.