The Viessmann Academy, Viessmann Climate Solutions UK’s training centre, has partnered with Shrewsbury Colleges Group to offer a BPEC Level 3 Award in Installation and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pumps.
According to a company statement, the partnership has been developed to offer Viessmann installers a qualification route for heat pumps and to help increase the number of qualified heat pump installers in the region, to meet growing market demand. The formal heat pump qualification is designed for experienced heating engineers who are ready to transition from fitting oil and gas heating products to renewable systems in domestic and commercial settings.
The BPEC Level 3 Award enables installers to meet the training entry requirements for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or to join the Viessmann Access umbrella scheme, both of which allow homeowners to claim the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500 towards the cost of their heat pump installation.
Darren McMahon, marketing director of Viessmann Climate Solutions UK, said: “Heat pumps are a key technology to help us reach net zero, yet just a fraction of the heating industry is currently trained to install them. We look forward to working together with Shrewsbury Colleges Group to empower the next generation of heating engineers to make a difference.”
This three-day accredited course is delivered by Shrewsbury College lecturers at the Viessmann Academy in Telford. The cost of £449 includes three nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, followed by lunch and refreshments at the Academy. Attendees will be taught how to specify, survey, design and install air source heat pump systems up to 16 kW, enlisting manufacturers’ support where required.
Applicants must have the following qualifications: WRAS Water Regulations and Level 2 or Level 3 in Plumbing, Heating/Ventilation, Gas or Oil certificates or have a minimum of three years’ experience of installing wet central heating systems.