This Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship is designed for entrants to learn how to plan, select and size, install, commission, service and maintain (including fault finding, diagnosis and repair) zero carbon central heating and hot water systems in buildings including dwellings and industrial and commercial premises.

Zero carbon heat sources may include (but are not limited to) Ground and Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Thermal Collectors.

What to expect

The occupation includes work on both new build and existing properties, and typically involves the installation, service, fault finding and repair of zero carbon heating and hot water appliances, storage vessels, pipework, heat emitters and associated components and their mechanical and electrical control systems.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with customers and end users, and as such requires a high level of customer service. The role is physical in nature and involves the manual handling of heavy equipment, working at height and in confined spaces.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for working both independently with a minimum of supervision and as a member of a team involving close liaison and cooperation with site and line management, colleagues and other trades.

Key information

• Duration – 30 weeks learning in-centre.
• Learners and employers are supported through mandatory progress reviews approximately every 8-12 weeks whilst on programme.
• A mid-point assessment is completed at approximately halfway through the programme, which aims to assess the current progress of the learner, identify any gaps in knowledge and help to prepare them for the End Point Assessment.

The modular approach to the apprenticeship allows for assessment of each topic before moving on, so any shortfalls in knowledge, understanding and skills can be identified at an early stage.

The block week delivery means that learners have more time to focus on the learning and gives more opportunity for in depth practical sessions.

What is learnt on programme

The apprentice standard covers 10 standard duties. Each duty maps to a selection of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that make up the apprenticeship standard.

1. Plan low carbon heating and hot water systems to meet customers’ needs and in accordance with manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures.
2. Select and size low carbon heating and hot water systems to meet customers’ needs and in accordance with manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures.
3. Carry out preparatory work for the Installation of low carbon heating and hot water systems.
4. Install low carbon heating and hot water systems in accordance with design criteria, manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures.
5. Test and commission low carbon heating and hot water system installations in accordance with manufacturers guidance, regulatory requirements and industry recognised standards and procedures.
6. Carry out appropriate handover procedures for low carbon heating and hot water systems to customers and or end users including the provision of written information, diagrammatic information, verbal information and demonstration regarding the systems operation and use.
7. Carry out routine service and maintenance procedures on low carbon heating and hot water systems.
8. Perform fault finding, diagnosis and rectification procedures on low carbon heating and hot water systems.
9. Decommission heating and hot water systems.
10. Conform to all health, safety and welfare in the workplace requirements.

The Learner Journey

Work Based Vocational progression & Eportfolio Completion mapping to the KSB’s covered in the in centre training weeks

Year 1

(10 Weeks in Centre)

• Health & Safety Systems
• Common Installation Processes & Techniques
• Scientific Principals
• Planning & Supervision
• Low Carbon Heating & Hot Water Systems
• Electrical Work & Controls
• Install, Commission, Service & Maintain Low Carbon Heating & Hot Water Systems
• Technology Specific Practical Assessments

Year 2

(10 Weeks in Centre)

• Common Installation Processes & Techniques
• Low Carbon Heating & Hot Water Systems
• Electrical Work & Controls
• Install, Commission, Service & Maintain Low Carbon Heating & Hot Water Systems
• Technology Specific Practical Assessments

Year 3

(10 Weeks in Centre)

• Low Carbon Heating & Hot Water Systems
• Electrical Work & Controls
• Install, Commission, Service & Maintain Low Carbon Heating & Hot Water Systems
• Technology Specific Practical Assessments
• Gateway & Progression to EPA Window

EPA Window: typically 3-4 months