In April this year, the government extended the Heat Training Grant giving installers free access to heat pump installation qualifications, but such subsidies won’t be around for ever, so now’s the time to take advantage of the training opportunity while funds are still available, says Chris Brummell, academy manager at Viessmann Climate Solutions UK.

The UK heat pump market hit a new record in 2024, with nearly 100,000 units sold – a rise of more than 60% on the previous year. Government incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the Energy Company Obligation continue to drive demand, yet the number of qualified installers is falling short of what’s needed.

To address this growing skills gap, the government extended its Heat Training Grant earlier this year following several months of prevarication. The grant offers up to £500 towards the cost of a place on an approved heat pump installation course – generally enough to cover the entire fee. But, despite this, the response from engineers has been below expectations.

Many training providers are reporting significant numbers of empty slots on Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) approved courses such as the BPEC Level 3 Award in Air Source Heat Pump Systems. This has also been our experience at the Viessmann Academy, where almost three-quarters of the fully-funded course spaces have gone unfilled so far this financial year, and around 200 vacancies remain through to April 2026. So, what’s stopping people from grabbing these high quality, free career-development opportunities?

Time pressures

A common explanation for the lack of engagement is the time commitment involved. The course typically requires three days away from regular work, which can be hard to fit into a busy diary. And for sole traders and small firms in particular, the lost revenue can be a significant deterrent, too.

However, few would deny that focusing entirely on present-day gas boiler work at the expense of getting ready for renewables is short-term thinking. As regulations tighten and fossil-fuel installations continue to decline, the ability to design, install and maintain heat pump systems will soon become essential for most heating engineers.

Course content 

Viessmann’s BPEC Level 3 Award in Air Source Heat Pump Systems (non-refrigerant Circuits) covers surveying, system design, installation and commissioning of air source heat pumps up to 16 kW for both domestic and small commercial properties. The interesting and inspiring training combines classroom theory with practical assessments that meet MCS qualification standards. Students are even treated to a free lunch each day!

Installers based in England can apply for Heat Training Grant funding if they hold a Level 2 or 3 plumbing or heating qualification or can show at least three years’ experience installing wet central heating systems. A Water Regulations certificate is also required, and applicants must work for a company with fewer than 250 employees, be self-employed, or currently unemployed. Additionally, they must be registered with a competent person’s scheme and their business cannot have already received over £315,000 in government subsidies over the past three years.

Window of opportunity

The Heat Training Grant is only guaranteed for the current financial year, and the chance to access free, recognised training is unlikely to last beyond that. For installers, the message is clear: now is the right time to invest a few days in adding heat pump skills to your portfolio. It could safeguard your future and help the UK meet its low-carbon heating targets.

To find out more, please use the link below:

https://www.viessmann.co.uk/en/professionals/installers/viessmann-academy/heat-pump-training.html