Low carbon heating technician
Level 3 · AdvancedConstruction and the built environment 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A low carbon heating technician designs, installs, commissions, and services low carbon heating systems including heat pumps, solar thermal, and related low-carbon technologies in domestic and small commercial buildings. At level 3, apprentices develop the engineering skills needed to help the UK reduce its reliance on fossil fuel heating. The role leads to specialist contractor, energy assessor, or renewable energy system designer careers.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Thermodynamic principles behind heat pump operation and solar thermal collection
Types of low carbon heating systems including air source, ground source, and hybrid systems
Electrical requirements for heat pumps and relevant Part P building regulations
System design principles including heat loss calculations and sizing of emitters
Commissioning procedures and how to verify that systems meet design performance
MCS certification requirements and how they apply to low carbon heating installations
Safe working practices including F-gas regulations and pressure vessel safety
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out heat loss calculations to size heating systems correctly for each property
Install heat pumps, solar thermal collectors, cylinders, and associated pipework
Wire electrical connections for heat pumps in accordance with building regulations
Commission completed systems and record performance data against design targets
Service and maintain low carbon heating systems following manufacturer guidance
Diagnose and repair faults on heat pump and solar thermal systems
Complete MCS documentation and handover packs for building owners
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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