Reshaping UK heating apprenticeships: heating product manufacturer unveils strategic partnership with DCG

Derby College Group has developed a strategic partnership with a heating product manufacturer to take a proactive approach to how heating apprenticeship training is designed and implemented in the UK, and to help provide the skills needed to support the decarbonisation of heat.

Working closely together, Vaillant and DCG have developed a valuable, blended learning experience for both those leaving school and mature students. Providing the wide range of skills needed for a career in the heating industry, as well as a working knowledge of business and the many opportunities that lie across the sector, to ensure that together, they can support the journey towards decarbonisation.

Through this first of a kind collaboration for the company, the partnership has been formed to develop new enhanced college schedules enabling students access to the best learning from an educational and real-life business perspective.

Integrated with practical training, a new Low Carbon Technology Training Room has also been officially opened at the Derby College Roundhouse campus. Incorporating heat pumps and controls, it provides hands-on learning for the ten inaugural Low Carbon Heating Technician (LCHT) apprentices and for future cohorts starting their journey in the industry.

In 2023, the company made history as it hired the UK’s first ten full-time, employed LCHT apprentices, who are being supported throughout their 3-year course, and who work across the business – including on-the-job training with qualified heating engineers. This new apprenticeship is a significant development for the industry, with demand for heat pumps rapidly increasing in the UK, encouraging younger generations into the industry is fundamental and will support the UK’s transition towards renewable heating solutions.

The new partnership provides an additional location for the firm's own technical training team to deliver knowledge and skills to its employees, to help develop both business knowledge and career progression. In addition, the training facility can be used to bolster the training capacity across Derbyshire helping to meet the high demand for heat pump training courses from installers who are looking to upskill. 

The collaboration ensures the knowledge share between both sides of the partnership, in particular regular training between teaching staff is continued, so they are familiar with the latest developments in low carbon heating.

Henrik Hansen, MD at Vaillant, said: “Derby has long been known as a hub for engineering and innovation. As one of the largest manufacturers in the area producing a significant proportion of the UK’s heating appliances in Belper, we are keen to train and upskill those coming into the low carbon heating industry.

“There are many opportunities within this industry, from becoming a qualified installer, to becoming an engineer on the manufacturing side, which is often overlooked by existing education criteria.

“This partnership offers students access to the very latest learning, alongside an in depth understanding of business and manufacturing. We want to encourage people into the many roles available and keep the heating industry moving forward at the fast pace required for the UK to achieve net zero.

“We are confident that the benefits will be felt across the existing industry, by equipping students with the right skills needed for installers to take them on during their apprenticeship – and grow or expand their businesses into low carbon technologies.

“We are also proud to hold the ‘Investors in People’ Gold accreditation, and this partnership further supports our ongoing investment in providing continuous development to our colleagues, many of whom are local to Derby.”  

Carol Dixon, Director of Employer Partnerships at DCG, added: “It is much talked about that the heating industry has an aging workforce, so it is essential we look at new ways to showcase and encourage people into this wide-ranging industry, and ensure they leave work and skills ready to make a difference as we move to a low carbon era.

“Being able to work on content and hands-on learning tools means we can combine and share our experience to give students a meaningful and valuable apprenticeship experience. The first cohort of Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprentices have made huge strides over the past year and the new training facilities can only help to take this further.”

The course is recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and was developed by MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) with support from employers across the low carbon heating sector including MCS certified contractors. It also forms part of the Green Apprenticeships holding the Kings Standard, launched to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. 

For information on plumbing and heating courses available at Derby College, please visit Construction - Plumbing, Renewables and Gas training courses at DCG - DCG (derby-college.ac.uk)