Green Jobs: New UK District Heating Apprenticeship to Launch in Birmingham
South & City College Birmingham will be the first college in the UK to deliver this first-of-a-kind qualification to accelerate the West Midlands’ net zero journey and create new job opportunities in the region.
Equipping the current and future workforce with green skills and enabling them to take advantage of opportunities within a smart, decarbonised energy system is a key element of the WMCA’s new Regional Energy Strategy. The Strategy has been developed in collaboration with the private and community sectors through the Energy Capital Partnership, recognising the vital role of business and communities in achieving the regions ambitions.
We are thrilled to see this new qualification launch in our region - the first of its kind in the UK!
What's happening?
The UK’s first Heat Network Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship has been approved by IfATE and is ready to be delivered nationwide, with SCCB set to welcome the first intake of apprentices in April 2025. This first-of-a-kind apprenticeship provides the opportunity for a generation of young people to work in the district heating sector, equipping them with essential skills to meet the industry’s growing demands, and creating a wave of new green jobs.
Why do we need new training courses in heat networks?
New regulations mean heat networks offer a huge opportunity for the West Midlands, cleaning up our heating and generating sustainable jobs and growth. Government estimates suggest up to 19% of our final heat demand could be met by low carbon heat networks by 2050. By 2050, every major town and city is expected to need heat networks, requiring over £100bn of private investment and creating 290k new jobs.
Developing a skilled workforce and supply chain to support these long-term growth areas is a pillar of our new Regional Energy Strategy. This first-of-a-kind apprenticeship provides the opportunity for a generation of young people to work in the district heating sector, equipping them with essential skills to meet the industry’s growing demands, and creating a wave of new green jobs.
This 3-year, NVQ-equivalent apprenticeship was developed by an industry-led Trailblazer Group, chaired by Toby Powell, Operations Director at Hemiko, a leading heat network investor and operator. Hemiko formed the group with the aim of attracting fresh talent into the rapidly growing heat network industry, enhancing the knowledge and skill base of those maintaining heat networks across the UK, and expanding opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to enter the sector.
IfATE is an Arm’s Length Body of the Department for Education who work with employers to develop, approve, review and revise apprenticeships and technical qualifications. IfATE’s Trailblazer groups are groups of employers and other stakeholders that develop, review, and revise IfATE’s technical education products, including the Heat Network Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group.
The Heat Network Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group included representatives from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), and IfATE, as well as industry partners such as SSCB, Bring Energy, E.ON, Metropolitan, HeatWeb, Vattenfall, SSE, Vital Energi, Switch2, Ramboll, and HeatNet, among others.
The first intake of apprentices is expected to begin in April 2025 at SCCB, who played an important role in the Trailblazer Group. As the largest general further education college in the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area, delivering study programmes to over 12,000 students across the city and beyond, SCCB is well-positioned to lead the UK in delivering this new qualification. SCCB is currently accepting expressions of interest for the Heat Network Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship programme.
The apprenticeship will also be available nationally, allowing other colleges and training centres across the UK to participate. Once rolled out nationally, the apprenticeship programme will support local employment, provide opportunities for young people, and drive economic growth across all towns and cities undergoing large-scale heat decarbonisation.
The qualification has been endorsed by IMechE and will be open to people over the age of 16 with no prior industry experience, as well as workers wanting to retrain and join the heat network industry. The course has been designed to provide structured learning for students.
Core modules will focus on mechanical, electrical, and controls principles, maintenance strategies, and safe working practices. The programme will teach apprentices how to inspect, clean, and maintain district heating plant equipment, as well as respond to energy outages. Apprentices can then specialise as a Residential Maintenance Technician or Plant Maintenance Technician, with plans to develop additional specialisms soon.
Where can I find out about opportunities like this?
The Net Zero sector is set to grow, so looking at opportunities to learn and upskill now is a great idea!
Teach a Trade are hosting organising "The Great Green Upskill Event" at the Walsall Football Club Conference Centre.
This 10-day event is designed to upskill electricians and heating engineers, inspire the next generation and inform residents of the West Midlands about Renewable Technologies. You can find out more on their website here, and put these two dates in your diary:
- Green Skills Fair on Thursday March 13th: an event for young people and adults to discover where to start when considering careers in the renewables and the retrofit sector, from apprenticeships to adult upskill courses. Young and adult prospective learners can connect with industry leaders, training providers and colleges to explore their options in retrofit and renewable technologies.
- Renewables showcase on Saturday 15th March: an opportunity for exhibitors from industry to showcase their offer to residents, business’ and trade professionals. An opportunity to connect, discover and identify new training recruits etc.