Apprenticeships and new entrants

Start your career in the heating industry

A career in the heating industry can offer long-term job security, practical skills and a wide range of opportunities across liquid fuel, solid fuel and renewable technologies.

Whether you're a school leaver, apprentice or career changer, there are several routes available to help you gain the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to work in the sector.

One year's free OFTEC registration for apprentices

OFTEC registered businesses can add newly qualified apprentices to their registration free of charge for one year. 

This applies to all scopes: liquid fuel, solid fuel, electrical Part P, renewables including heat pumps, biomass and solar, and non operative.

To qualify, apprentices must:

• Complete a Level 3 heating and plumbing qualification.

• Apply for a registration scope that aligns with their qualification pathway.

• Be employed by an OFTEC registered business.

This allows newly qualified apprentices to become registered technicians under their employer's OFTEC registration and begin building their professional reputation within the industry.

If you’re a registered business looking to add an apprentice to your registration, please contact the registration team.

Apprenticeship funding and support 

Training funding and apprenticeship support may be available depending on your location and circumstances.

If you’re looking to work with renewable heating, there may be funding available to you such as the Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship (LCHTA) which has been developed to help train the next generation of heat pump and renewable heating installers, or the the Heat Training Grant which supports trainees in England taking an OFTEC accredited heat pump training and assessment course.

See funding opportunities here or speak to an OFTEC approved training centre for guidance.

Find training near you

OFTEC approved training centres are located throughout the UK and Ireland and offer a range of courses for new entrants and experienced technicians alike.