26 April 2023
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Following the findings of its recent installer survey, which questioned respondents on the barriers and motivators around training to install low carbon technologies, Vaillant has unveiled Vaillant Aspire, the most comprehensive heat pump training programme available to installers.
With the UK Government’s target to install 600k heat pumps per year by 2028 rapidly approaching, together with latest reports indicating that 100k heat pump engineers will need to be trained to make this a reality, Aspire aims to upskill existing heating engineers to expand their businesses to offer the low carbon technology.
The launch comes after Vaillant’s research found that while 82% of installers surveyed expressed interest when asked if they would be undertaking air source heat pump training in the next 12 months, many felt that loss of income, together with a lack of Government support financially, were the main barriers that would stop them investing in training.
With the same survey identifying 55% of installers preferred hybrid learning, Vaillant Aspire blends online and hands-on, practical training, delivered at one of its six Centres of Excellence, to reduce the amount of time installers need to take away from their business and their income source. Through Aspire, installers can diversify their business to install heat pumps with the confidence that their installations adhere to industry standards. Furthermore, the investment an installer will make to complete Aspire also includes a discounted registration for MCS and NAPIT accreditation.
Each Aspire learning journey will be personalised depending on the installer’s existing qualifications, starting with theory-based modules covering a variety of subjects from heat loss and system design, to commissioning the heat pump and setting up the controls for optimised performance. Understanding that most installation businesses are small enterprises, Aspire also includes industry processes and procedures in the modularised programme, such as guidance on implementing a Quality Management System, and delivering quality customer service to help educate the end user on using a heat pump to heat their home. These are essential modules that further support the installer to implement the necessary processes to join a Competent Persons Scheme or become MCS registered.
Expanding further on the support available to installers, participants taking part in Aspire will have access to Vaillant’s System Sales and Design team who offer advice and guidance on best-practice system design or deliver the full design depending on the type of MCS accreditation the installer requires. In addition, Vaillant’s Service team will provide on-site support to ensure an installer’s first installation meets Vaillant’s requirements, together with the industry standards needed to be eligible for any grant schemes available.
Developed by Vaillant’s in house team of training experts, Aspire is the latest investment from Vaillant as it looks to support the industry, and those working in it, to deliver a low carbon future. Commenting on Aspire, Mark Wilkins, Technologies and Training Director at Vaillant comments: “The journey to decarbonisation is gathering pace and ensuring the UK’s existing installer base is upskilled on low carbon technologies is central to achieving this.
“As a long-standing manufacturer of heat pump technology, here at Vaillant we recognise the role we play in ensuring those working in the industry can not only get the products, but also the expert knowledge and support they need to deliver a low carbon future. Having expanded our production capabilities just last year with the launch of a heat pump production line here in Belper, Aspire further builds on our investment by offering heating engineers and installers access to industry-accredited training for heat pump installations.”
For more information on Aspire visit: www.vaillant.co.uk/aspire
