Training 7
The world’s largest energy recruitment and employment trends report, compiled by the Global Energy Talent Index (GETI), has collected responses of some 16,000 energy sector employees. Here, we take a look at the takeaway points for those working in, or looking to forge a career in the renewable energy sector.
It has been just over three months since the government’s Green Homes Grant was rolled out for consumers and installers alike, yet the scheme has already been beset by teething problems. The most pressing issue is that of installer uptake and availability. Under its terms, installers must be Trustmark, PAS or MCS certified to carry out the eligible home improvements; however, consumer demand for the scheme has seemingly outstripped supply.
REI spoke with the founders, Richard Smith & Bobby Worcester, to find out a little more about what they offer
A zone dedicated to specifiers and architects is now available on the Grant eLearning Academy, providing these professionals with online training content focused on renewable heating technologies. This includes access to Grant’s RIBA approved online Air Source Heat Pump CPD course.
Managing director of NIBE Energy Systems, Phil Hurley, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Heat Pump Association (HPA), replacing Graham Wright. Stepping into Phil Hurley’s former position as vice-chairman, a role held by Hurley since April 2019, is Max Halliwell of Mitsubishi Electric.
Building services training provider, GTEC, in partnership with the MCS, has won an almost £1M bid to help existing trades people access discounted training in heat pumps and solar thermal, in order to meet the demand presented by the Green Homes Grant (GHG) – the government’s scheme to improve the energy efficiency of UK housing stock.
At the recent Solar & Storage 2020 live conference (2-4 Dec), one point that was consistently raised in the webinars was the critical role installers play in the road to net zero.
MCS launches new partnership with the Independent Warranty Association (IWA) to ease access to insurance backed guarantees (IBG)
Following the government’s announcement to significantly ramp up heat pump installations between now and 2028, LG has seen a surge in interest for their Therma V range of heat pumps, which are considered to be an easy transition for installers looking to either make the switch from traditional gas boiler fitting, or to add another string to their bow.
Phil Hurley, managing director of NIBE UK commented; “The annual total for installations is 30,000 currently, so a massive ramp up is needed as well as up-skilling of existing plumbers and heating engineers to achieve the numbers needed for net zero targets.”
Boris Johnson has outlined his eagerly awaited 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, but which areas affect you?
Following the launch of the government’s Green Homes Grant on 30th September, Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, calls for improvements to be made for the long-term benefit of installers and consumers alike and highlights the challenges presented by the scheme;
“Since the launch of the Green Homes Grant, we have been fielding calls on a daily basis from installers seeking clarity and expressing their concerns over what they feel are flaws in the scheme.
The European Energy Centre (EEC-ECT) has been awarded Institute status by the UK Government following the distinguished work in providing accredited Renewable Energy training and research carried out in the UK and internationally.
MCS have collaborated with the Independent Warranty Association (IWA) and undertaken system development to enable contractors to raise an IBG for their consumer at the point of raising the MCS certificate for an installation.
The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) has announced a new partnership with Propeller Workforce Management software, which will see APHC members receive a host of discounts and service enhancements.
A survey conducted by MCS has revealed that almost half of their certified contractors believe that the Green Homes Grant should be extended to 18 months or more.
National certification scheme MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) has published a new update of their Solar PV Standard. The timely new standard comes as strong signs of recovery can be seen after a turbulent 18-months for Solar PV installers.
Grant UK has announced the launch of its new online eLearning Academy. Alongside the training delivered at Grant UK’s training centres, this new online eLearning platform will further increase the level of product training support the company can deliver to installers, heating engineers and other heating professionals.
Following the government’s provision of further detail on the £2 billion Green Homes Grant to improve energy efficiency of homes and stimulate the economy after lockdown, Mark Wilkins, head of training and external affairs at Vaillant, comments;
The latest government update opening the new Green Homes Grant scheme up to domestic renewable technology installations including Heat Pumps and Solar Thermal, places MCS certified contractors at its core to ensure quality.
Heat is the largest single source of UK carbon emissions, accounting for over one-third whilst decarbonising heat stands as one of the most significant challenges in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. To overcome this challenge it is vital business, government, regulators and communities work together to shape the policies and delivery mechanisms that will be needed.
The early signs of recovery witnessed in the UK’s domestic renewable energy installation market has positively continued into June as the country continues to emerge from lockdown.
The guide has been collaboratively crafted by MCS in partnership with Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC), Energy Saving Trust and Heat Pump Association (HPA). It streamlines advice by providing a single source of best practice on technical guidance and consumer protection.
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is reporting early signs of a recovery in the domestic renewable installation market.