OFTEC is offering apprentices working for OFTEC registered businesses one year's free registration once they have completed a Level 3 heating and plumbing qualification.
Apprenticeships provide a valuable route into the heating industry while helping businesses develop the next generation of skilled technicians. To support registered businesses and recognise apprentices' achievements, OFTEC is offering one year's free registration for newly qualified apprentices.
Simon Gray, OFTEC’s training manager, said: “If registered technicians currently employ, or are in the process of employing, an apprentice, once they have qualified, you can add your apprentice to your OFTEC registration free of charge. This will enable them to gain the status of a registered technician on OFTEC’s competent person scheme, under your business registration, and recognise their achievement.”
How to qualify
To qualify for one year’s free registration, apprentices must have completed a Level 3 course in heating and plumbing and their technology pathway must align with their application for registration such as liquid fuels, renewables or solid fuels.
Businesses who are already registered with OFTEC simply need to get in touch with the registration team by calling 01473 626298 or emailing registration@oftec.org to take advantage of the offer and register their apprentice.
With the industry continuing its transition towards low carbon heating, consumers are increasingly looking for competent and trusted installers. Registered technicians will play a vital role in delivering new technologies while maintaining high standards across the sector.
Additional funding for renewable heating apprenticeships
As well as offering one year's free registration for newly qualified apprentices, OFTEC is highlighting a separate opportunity for businesses looking to recruit and train apprentices in renewable heating.
The Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship (LCHTA) is the dedicated training provision for heat pump engineers in the UK and provides businesses with a cost-effective way to develop skills in low carbon heating technologies.
In most cases, apprenticeship training will be between 95% and 100% funded. For businesses that pay the apprenticeship levy, training costs are fully funded. For non-levy paying employers, up to 95% of training costs can be funded.
The LCHTA will help equip a new generation of heating technicians with the skills needed to design, install and commission low carbon heating technologies, including heat pumps and solar heating systems.
Training providers will receive up to £22,000 for every apprentice and the scheme was developed in partnership with IfATE, the Employer Trailblazer Group and MCS.
Mr Gray added: “The government’s drive towards low carbon heating continues [SE2.1]which means there will be big opportunities for heating businesses working in the industry.
“Installers will be key to delivering this transition, but we recognise the current skills shortage can be a barrier. That’s why apprenticeships are so important, as they provide an affordable and practical route for heating businesses to develop the people they need and will enable them to expand into new technologies and markets.”