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Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship

MCS SKILLS & TRAINING

Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship

Everything you need to know about the Low Carbon Heating Apprenticeship and the help available to take on an apprentice for your business.

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Apprentice working on heat pump with mentor

Developed by MCS in partnership with IfATE and industry leaders, this apprenticeship is designed to equip trainees with vital skills in design, installation and commissioning of low-carbon heating systems. It is supported by high-level funding, with the Department of Education offering up to £22,000 per apprentice for training providers.

The UK’s first ever dedicated Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship

The UK’s first dedicated low-carbon heating apprenticeship, the LCHTA, is now available across England and Wales, creating new opportunities for aspiring heat pump and heat network technicians. This is a pivotal step in building a skilled, net-zero-ready workforce in the UK’s heating sector. 

We estimate that the UK will require around 39,000 qualified heat pump installers by the end of the decade if we are to meet Government targets for the installation of renewable energy-powered heating systems. 

Previously, there has been no dedicated training provision for heat pump engineers. The Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship is therefore a UK-first, dedicated to developing the skills needed to design, install and commission low-carbon heating technologies.

The Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship explained

In 2024, the apprenticeship was hand-picked by industry experts from IfATE to mark King Charles III’s Coronation. This recognition highlights the important contribution it can make towards encouraging more people to pursue careers in the green sector. It is one of six green apprenticeships to carry the coronation emblem. 

This program addresses a crucial gap, as heat pump installations are set to soar in alignment with the UK’s target of 600,000 units annually by 2028. Well-trained engineers are essential to meet this demand, and this apprenticeship offers a structured pathway to ensure quality and expertise in this field.

MCS CEO Ian Rippin and installer stood posing wearing MCS hivis jackets.

Benefits for employers

Hiring an apprentice with the LCHTA can help futureproof your business, expand your workforce with new talent, and access new markets.

In most cases, apprenticeship training is 95-100% funded. If your business pays the apprenticeship levy, training will be fully funded.

For non-levy payers, up to 95% of training costs can be covered by government funding.

Additionally, non-levy paying employers may benefit from apprenticeship levy transfers, which can cover the full cost of training. More information about levies can be found here.

Additional financial support exists for hiring:

  • 16 to 18 year olds 
  • 19 to 25 year olds who have an education, health and care plan (EHCP) 
  • 19 to 25 year olds who have been in local authority care. 

 

Are you looking to apply for an apprenticeship with the LCHTA scheme? More information can be found using the button below.

Visit Find Apprenticeship Training
Installers carrying heat pump.

Apprenticeship grants are available

To support the Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship, The MCS Foundation offers grants for training providers and employers. 

This can go towards purchasing equipment or training staff to deliver the apprenticeship, or to help towards the cost of hiring an apprentice. 

Interested in supporting apprenticeships in renewable heating? Visit The MCS Foundation to check if you are eligible.  

Find out more

Apply here

Express an interest in joining the Low Carbon Heating Technician Growth & Development Group to help shape the apprenticeship as a training provider, employer, awarding body, or skills expert.