Heat Pumps Today

14 Stewart Clements, Director of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), discusses the role diversifying UK engineers’ skillsets might play for the future of domestic low-carbon heating. The Role of Diverse Engineering Skillsets for Decarbonising Domestic Heating in the UK ‘Net zero by 2050’ is now enshrined in law. With such an ambitious goal must come similarly ambitious action – UK homeowners must be persuaded to move towards low- carbon technologies like heat pumps and hydrogen boilers as soon as possible. One critical component in the transition towards low-carbon heating solutions is the availability of skilled heating engineers, who present the main point of contact to consumers. Their role is to inform consumers of the process – and benefits – of decarbonised heating systems and deliver the correct solution for each home. Gas Safe Decade Review found that more than 50% of heating system installers are now aged 51 and over, and it’s likely that many are too busy and would not be willing to learn new skills. This could leave the industry’s existing workforce underprepared when firm action on emissions is needed. New entrants, on the other hand, are regarded as key for meeting important environmental challenges as they tend to be open to extra training and development of new skills. Standardised Model With net zero the aim, the UK requires increasingly diverse installed heating technologies within its homes. Demand for new technology will need a new standard of installer competence, yet the top-heavy nature of the industry suggests many gas engineers are not yet trained on these matters, nor understand the science underpinning it. Heat pumps and boilers, for example, are two distinct technologies and additional skillsets will be required. Moving to low carbon technologies in retrofits requires system upgrades and therefore an increase in installation time so more engineers are required. February | March 2023 T R A I N I N G Stewart Clements, Director of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) There are a large number of registered gas engineers who have not trained on renewable heating systems, and may not understand, nor appreciate, the science and physics underpinning it. Similarly, some may have been trained in these techniques, but have forgotten the skills if they have not been used often. By training and encouraging new entrants to widen their skillset, or retrain their skills, the UK can achieve a more eŽcient response to emissions regulations, decarbonising at increased speed. The UK must ensure those entering the industry fully understand the wider heating and hot water technology mix. Starting from Scratch In order to encourage new engineers training and commitment to renewable heating practises, incentives must begin at apprentice level. The focus must switch towards making training courses widely available and accessible to aspiring engineers. The Low-Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship (Level