About the course

Free limited spaces available on this course as part of the Government's Levelling Up initiative. Click here to check if you’re eligible.

This is a nationally recognised qualification in the installation and maintenance of air source heat pump systems. The qualification is recognised by the Micro-generation Certification Scheme (MCS) registration bodies as an acceptable qualification to join one of their respective schemes.

This qualification will help you gain an understanding of the skills required to install and maintain heat pump systems and solar technology. You will cover topics such as: 
     - Size, select, install, commission and handover air source heat pump systems (non-refrigerant circuits). 
     - Plan, prepare and maintain air source heat pump systems (non-refrigerant circuits).

Start dates:

September 
10^th , 17^th, 23^rd or 24^th

October 
8^th, 15^th, 21^st or 22^nd

November 
12^th, 19^th, 25^th or 26^th

December 
3^rd, 10^th, 16^th or 17^th

January
14^th, 21^st 27^th or 28^th

February
4^th, 11^th, 24^th or 25^th

March 
11^th, 18^th, 24^th or 25^th

Entry requirements

Trainees should have a minimum:

N/SVQ Level 2/3 in Plumbing or equivalent earlier certification; or

N/SVQ Level 2/3 in Heating and Ventilating (Domestic Installation) or equivalent earlier certification; or

N/SVQ Level 2/3 in Heating and Ventilating (Industrial and Commercial Installation) or equivalent earlier certification; or

N/SVQ Level 2/3 in Oil-Fired Technical Services or equivalent earlier certification; or

N/SVQ Level 2/3 in Gas Installation and Maintenance or equivalent earlier certification; or

Heating installers with minimum 3 years of experience installing wet central heating systems, evidenced either by manufacturer courses certification or Gas Safe Register, OFTEC, MCS or HETAS registration – this can be evidence via an emailed reference from an employer 

AND if not included in the above qualification

Water Regulations/Water Byelaws

Stand-alone technical certificates/Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQ) (non-competency based) are NOT acceptable

How much does it cost?

Free limited spaces available on this course as part of the Government's Levelling Up initiative. Click here to check if you’re eligible.

The full fee for this course is: £585.00

If you are an employer or are self-employed and located in Essex (including Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock), funding to cover the fees for this course may be available to you.
Contact Us or call 01279 868100 to request a Training Needs Analysis with one of our training and skills advisors.

Who is it suitable for?

If you’re a plumber who wants to embrace the future of domestic and commercial heating change, currently being rapidly rolled out to meet the needs of climate change, and want to get ahead of the game with new heat pump and solar technology then this is the course for you.

You will be building on your existing knowledge and experience and gaining a valuable overview of how to install air source heat pumps in a domestic setting.

Why study?

About the Renewable Energy Training Centre

Opened in 2023, the Harlow College Renewable Energy Training Centre has been created in association with Mitsubishi Electric. The Centre is fully equipped with six Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan Air Source Heat Pumps, which you will be trained to install and to configure with either a wet radiator system or, alternatively, ambient under floor heating. 

The Renewable Energy Training Centre uses roof-mounted photo-voltaic solar panels, and energy storage to generate free electricity to power our heat pumps and lighting. The course will explain integration of PV solar with air source heat pumps for maximum efficiency.

Enrolling on this course will help your business to thrive and meet decarbonisation targets in support of Net Zero by 2050.

Harlow College is a BPEC Approved Assessment Centre

Core modules

Heat Pump Technology (2days) and Air Source (1day) Total = 3 days - Certificates are normally valid for 5 years.

• Heat pumps in context.
• How a Heat pump works – principles and components
• Insulation, heat losses and the effect of heating system design
• Domestic hot water, buffer tanks and solar coils
• Ground heat exchangers
• Health and Safety
• Heat pump installation
• Maintenance and fault finding

How will I be assessed?

Assessments consist of a combination of practical and theory examinations.

Will I have to provide anything?

Personal Protective Equipment

Basic Hand tools – (Lists will be provided at the enrolment stage)

Basic stationary – (Lists will be provided at the enrolment stage)