Funding to help plug the green skills gap is now being allocated to colleges – and Quantum can help educators offer training that will help students to secure work in this growing sector.
Jade Husson, Business Development
The money is from the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF). This was created to provide investment in the skills needed to support local labour markets. A total of £165 million of LSIF funding is being distributed up until 2025.
The shortage of engineers who are trained to install and maintain low-carbon and renewable energy technologies is a major challenge for the UK as we transition towards a cleaner, greener future.
An estimated 400,000 roles will need to be filled to meet net zero targets and build a green workforce, according to the National Grid. Around 260,000 of these jobs will be new roles and the rest replacing those who have left the workforce.
Experience
Quantum’s Jade Husson, Business Development, said: “Any college teams who are receiving this funding and would like to expand the green skills training they offer, or expand into this sector, can contact me about how we can help.
“We have created a custom-designed green skills training course for college students. This has been assured by City & Guilds and is a wonderful introduction to green technologies.
“We also have state-of-the-art training bays to give students practical experience of using low-carbon technologies. This complements the theory they learn in the classroom.
“Finally, our ‘Train the Green Trainer’ Academy helps tutors enhance their skill set and gain the necessary expertise to teach the next generation.”
One student, Dylan, who took part in a pilot session of the course said: “I’m a more hands-on person and the ability to be able to work on systems which involve sustainability, new technology, was amazing. I’m a hands-on learner, I will learn more when I’m doing something.”
He added: “With the knowledge I’ve gained from Quantum’s course, I can move into sustainability and renewable sources of technology. Many plumbers nowadays only know the old stuff that isn’t renewable. I get to stand out now.”
Meanwhile, our ‘Train the Green Trainer Academy’ is dedicated to equipping trainers and tutors with the necessary expertise to deliver renewable energy courses.
Our team is happy to answer your questions. For more information, contact Jade at [email protected]
Quantum’s experts are taking part in a special series of green skills webinars to help college students learn more about sustainable technologies.
Trainers Steve Skinsley and Richard Love will be sharing their knowledge and showcasing our state-of-the-art training bays, which provide practical, hands-on experience of working with renewables such as heat pumps.
Quantum’s training bay where students can learn to install and maintain air source heat pumps
The webinars – hosted by the Local London Green Jobs and Skills Partnership – will help the students understand the importance of reducing emissions, sustainable developments, the future of energy supply and use, and the drive for net zero.
Steve will be discussing electrical vehicle charging and battery storage, while Richard will cover air source heat pumps and solar thermal.
Demand
Quantum’s Curriculum Development Manager Liz Howard said: “These green skills webinars are a great opportunity to educate students about the importance of adopting greener technologies and the growing demand for people with these green skills.
“The UK is facing a major green skills gap, so sustainable technologies are a great career path for young people.
“Our unique, state-of-the-art training bays are also ideal for learners because they can put into practice the theory they have learned in the classroom. Students have told us that hands-on learning really helps them, plus they get real experience of installing the technology.”
Quantum has also created a special green skills training course for college students, which is City and Guilds assured. The course, Sustainable Energy Technologies, was designed in partnership with Daikin UK and offers a comprehensive introduction to renewable technologies and their application in the built environment.
You can also learn more about training bays on our website and contact our team to find out about offering our course and training booths at your college.
To learn more about the full range of training courses and facilities we offer, for students and experienced engineers, visit thequantumgroup.uk.com/training
Landmark legislation designed to help deliver net zero has now become law – and the passing of the Energy Act 2023 is being hailed as “great news” for the green energy sector.
The reforms – described by the Government as the “biggest piece of energy legislation in the UK’s history” – aim to deliver a more efficient energy system by boosting investment in clean energy technologies and support thousands of skilled jobs.
The Energy Act – which received Royal Assent on 26 October – also includes new consumer protections and frameworks.
Solutions
Quantum Managing Partner Maria Gonella said: “The new Energy Act 2023 is great news for the green energy sector and a welcome step in the UK’s transition to net zero.
“We need to decarbonise our energy system. Our mission at Quantum is to help create a cleaner, greener world for future generations, by designing green technology solutions and training the workforce of the future on how to install and maintain this technology, such as heat pumps.”
New measures include allowing Ofgem to set rules on excessive pricing and incentives for the heating industry to invest in heat pumps.
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: The Energy Act is the largest piece of energy legislation in a generation.
“The Act also supports our new approach to make sure that families don’t feel a disproportionate financial burden as we transition to net zero, and forms a central part of our efforts to keep people’s bills affordable in the long-term.”
Training
Quantum’s training offering includes an LCL Awards Level 3 course on how to maintain and install air source heat pumps.
Quantum’s state-of-the-art renewable training facilities are taking centre stage at the new Green Skills Lab unveiled at London South East Colleges’ Bromley campus.
Students at LSEC Bromley explore the new Green Skills Lab
The innovative learning space is designed to give students the skills needed to help fill the green skills gap as the UK moves towards net zero and more renewable sources of energy.
Our Managing Partner Maria Gonella attended the 12 September opening of the lab, which features specialist training booths developed and installed by Quantum’s engineers.
Maria said: “We owe it to the next generation, our children, to do what we can to try to put right our misunderstandings and help create a cleaner, brighter future.
“The equipment allows students to get practical, hands-on experience of working with air source heat pumps, solar thermal, solar PV, battery and electric vehicle charging, to complement the theory they learn in the classroom.
“At Quantum, we are creating our tomorrow in a number of ways, including the design of these booths across five renewable technologies – air source heat pumps, solar PV, solar thermal, battery and EV charging.
“We have then broken this down further into three practical elements which can be taught using the new training booths adopted by Bromley in the Green Skills Lab. These are a fully working system; a student installation, service and maintenance booth; and a fault-finding booth.
“I’m delighted to see these bespoke facilities installed here at London South East Colleges’ (LSEC) Bromley campus and I’m sure they will be of huge benefit to students. Students who have used them before have told us how much they enjoy the practical learning.”
Curriculum delivery
Nick Cocks, Director of STEM at LSEC Bromley, said: “The team at Quantum has been amazing. We have an excellent Green Skills Lab supplied by them, which will be an integral part of us delivering a meaningful and engaging curriculum in the coming years.
“The wrap-around package of events and trips organised, and by, Quantum will be so beneficial to our students. These will include Digital Construction Week and Future Build, for example.
“Collaborating with Quantum on the curriculum delivery via their ‘Train the Trainer’ programme is also key to making this work for all who study here at LSEC.
“I look forward to working closely with Quantum to help address the green skills needed for the 21st century.”
More than 130 electrical and plumbing students attended the launch event and visited the lab, which is one of the first in the region.
Fossil fuels
Quantum’s training booths complement our new level 2 training course, Sustainable Energy Technologies, which is City & Guilds assured and has been launched in partnership with Daikin UK.
This first-of-its-kind course is designed to give young people and career changers an introduction to green technologies.
The training covers basics such as fossil fuels and their impact on the environment, understanding energy supply and sources, legislation, building guidance and regulations, and knowledge about greener energy solutions such as air source heat pumps.
We hope a pilot scheme will be rolled out by LSEC following a successful test run of the course with students in July.
One participant, Dylan, said: “At college we had a brief module on sustainable energy and renewables but it wasn’t as in depth as this course… it allowed me to be more hands-on with the new technologies coming into the world, whereas with my [other] level 2 course was rushed and just theory – we didn’t have this hands-on approach.
“I’m a more hands-on person and the ability to be able to work on systems which involve sustainability [and] new technology that’s coming into plumbing was amazing for me. I’m a hands-on learner, I will learn more when I’m doing something.”
Quantum’s innovative training facilities and work to address the UK’s green skills gap will be highlighted at the EHPA Forum, major European conference this month.
Maria Gonella, Quantum Managing Partner
Our Managing Partner, Maria Gonella, is speaking at this year’s European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) Forum, the theme of which is ‘Advancing REPowerEU in a Heartbeat: the Heat Pump Accelerator’.
Maria said: “I’m thrilled to be speaking at this year’s forum in Brussels. It will be a great opportunity to discuss what we are doing at Quantum Group to address the green skills gap and our innovative renewable training facilities.
“I’ll also shed light on our partnership with Daikin UK and further education colleges to upskill the next generation of low-carbon engineers.
“Please reach out if you’re attending the event and would like to have a chat.”
Maria will be speaking during a session on 28 September, entitled ‘From manufacturing to installation: Shaping skills partnerships for the heat pump market’.
Maria added: “At Quantum, we understand that addressing the green skills gap is critical in tackling the climate emergency. To ensure our current and future workforce feel confident, competent and knowledgeable about the world of renewables, we must ensure it all starts from the most impactful source – our education.
“It has been a pleasure to partner with UK colleges and work together to provide an opportunity that bridges the gap between theory and practice through our immersive and hands-on renewable training offerings. We owe it to the next generation our children to do what we can, to try to put right our misunderstandings and help create a cleaner and brighter future.”
The conference will highlight the EHPA’s roadmap for the industry, the EU Heat Pump Accelerator, a document which lays out the barriers to heat pump adoption and proposed solutions. The strategy was developed with industry, government and NGOs and was presented to EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson in June.
The European Commission’s REPowerEU plan has already set out ambitious targets for heat pumps, including doubling installations annually.
Ms Simons will deliver the keynote speech at the forum.
The event programme also features discussions about the role of heat pumps in the transition to a low-carbon economy, maximising heat pump market opportunities, building a financial framework for heat pump market expansion and driving decarbonisation in buildings.
For more information about the forum, being held at the Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place on 27 and 28 September, please visit https://hp-forum.eu/
More UK households and businesses are installing heat pumps than ever before – more than 3,000 per month on average, fuelling a heat pump skills gap.
There were 17,920 heat pump installations in the first six months of 2023, according to MCS data, with nearly a quarter of a million households expected to adopt renewable energy by the end of the year.
However, there is a shortage of qualified installers – it is estimated there are only 3,000 trained heat pump engineers in the UK but at least 27,000 will be needed in the next six years, according to social good charity Nesta.
Plus, heating engineers who complete our three-day course also qualify for funding support of £500, under the Heat Training Grant initiative.
The qualification is acceptable to all MCS providers and will train you to become a competent and confident air source heat pump Installer, allowing you to grow your business and support the decarbonisation of heating systems.
The rise in demand for heat pumps is partly being fuelled by Government grants for installations – in England and Wales, you can claim £5,000 towards an air source heat pump under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
SCHOOL students face tough decisions about what to do next after receiving their exam results – but green skills company Quantum is here to help.
With the UK facing a major challenge to fill the skills gaps needed to meet climate targets, there are an increasing number of career opportunities in the green skills and renewables sector – and Essex-based Quantum is one of the country’s leading providers of energy-saving and decarbonisation training.
Our new City & Guilds Assured Level 2 training course, Sustainable Energy Technologies, the first of its kind, is designed to give young people and career changers an introduction to green technologies.
The training covers basics such as fossil fuels and their impact on the environment, understanding energy supply and sources, legislation, building guidance and regulations, and knowledge about greener energy solutions such as air source heat pumps.
The launch of the new course is in partnership with leading eco-heating technology brand Daikin UK. It is hoped a pilot scheme will begin at London’s South Bank College in September, with further roll out at NCC London soon. Students at South Bank enjoyed a preview of our new course in July, including hands-on training using our bespoke renewable training facilities installed at the college.
Maria Gonella, Quantum Group Managing Partner, said: “The decarbonisation and renewable energies sector is growing rapidly. You can advance your employability and be part of a rapidly growing workforce that focuses on sustainable growth and the transition to a net zero world.
“At Quantum, we specialise in providing opportunities to engage in learning about green skills. Our training courses will equip you with lifelong practical skills in renewable technologies. We strive to bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing immersive and hands-on renewable training experiences through our innovative range of products, courses and services.
“Through our collaborative approach with industry stakeholders, we remain at the forefront of the evolving renewable energy space, enabling us to design optimal low-carbon systems for the built environment and provide training on the latest industry technologies. Together, we are driving the transformation towards a greener future.”
Martin Passingham, Product and Training Manager at Daikin UK, added: “The renewable energy sector is a huge growth area as fossil fuels are being phased out for heating. Skilled workers are desperately needed to help meet the country’s ambitious net zero and heat pump installation targets.
“This first-of-its-kind course we’re launching in partnership with Quantum will tackle the national skills gap and create a clear path for college students into an industry with so much opportunity.
“Over its 15-year lifespan, switching from a fossil fuel boiler to an air source heat pump can save homeowners more than £3,000 when compared to a gas boiler, more than £6,000 compared with oil and more than £9,000 compared to LPG – including the initial purchase and installation, maintenance and running costs.
“Students on this course will be able to learn more about the huge potential of renewable forms of heating like heat pumps to reduce energy usage and bills in the home and they’ll be ideally qualified to play a key role in the future of renewable heating technology.”
If the country is going to meet its ambitious net zero targets, we need to train thousands of people each year to install and maintain low carbon heating such as air source heat pumps.
Quantum also offers a wide range of courses for experienced heating and plumbing engineers and apprentices. Our LCL Awards and Daikin-accredited courses cover a number of green technologies, from heat pump installation and maintenance to hot water systems and safety.
Our training courses are also among the very few designed to offer practical, hands-on lessons that complement the theoretical content. This takes place using our custom, state-of-the-art demo booths.
More than 200,000 people will need training for green energy roles by 2050, according to PwC research, while leading independent think-tank the Green Alliance has estimated about 300,000 more skilled workers will be required, comprising both new tradespeople and upskilling existing workers.
There are only between 3,000 and 4,000 heat pump engineers in the UK, according to innovation charity Nesta, but another 5,000 to 7,000 will be needed every year until 2035 in order to meet the UK Government’s target of increasing annual installation of heat pumps to 600,000 by 2028.
Meanwhile, a ban on the installation of gas boilers in new homes comes into effect in only two years, further increasing the need for skilled decarbonisation technology installers.
More than two-thirds of homeowners – 68 per cent – are unaware that heat pumps are significantly more efficient than gas boilers, research by Daikin has found. Gas boilers operate at 70 to 90 per cent efficiency compared with 300 to 400 per cent for heat pumps. This means heat pumps are both better for the environment and leave households less vulnerable to gas price increases.
As well as offering training to help fill the skills gaps to install and maintain green technology and create a net zero workforce, the Quantum Group also provides bespoke energy-saving and low-carbon system designs and installations for the built environment, such as heat pumps.
Our company’s mission is to leverage our deep industry expertise to consistently deliver the most efficient sustainable energy solutions and training opportunities available.
We strive to bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing immersive and hands-on renewable training experiences through our innovative range of products, courses, and services.
Through our collaborative approach with industry stakeholders, we remain at the forefront of the evolving renewable energy space, enabling us to design optimal low carbon systems for the built environment and provide training on the latest industry products.
A student uses one of Quantum’s Renewable Training Facilities during a preview of our new course at London’s South Bank College on 20 July
Together, we are driving the transformation towards a greener future
The Quantum Group was established in 1997 and is now a leading decarbonisation specialist and renewables training provider. We offer bespoke energy-saving and low carbon system designs and installations for the built environment. In parallel, our renewable training business provides a range of training products and services dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net zero workforce. By equipping both students and engineers with the necessary green skills we aim to contribute to achieving our broader net zero climate ambitions in the future.
Daikin UK is an eco-heating technology brand leading the industry in providing innovative indoor climate management solutions, such as heat pumps, to reduce environmental impact. As part of the global Daikin Group and with almost 100 years of experience, Daikin has built a worldwide reputation for quality and technology, developing heating solutions that create comfortable and sustainable interior environments for everyone.
In 2020, Daikin launched itsEnergy for Change campaign, which aims to educate consumers on the benefits of heat pumps and promote their installation – helping the UK move to a more sustainable future. As part of its Energy for Change campaign, Daikin has created the Sustainable Home Network to provide top quality, free heat pump training to installers across the UK, helping them futureproof their businesses and support the UK’s transition towards green energy.
Additional information on Daikin’s pioneering technology can be found on its website, alongside details on why choosing a heat pump could help reduce UK homes’ carbon emissions.
Addressing the green skills gap is a major challenge for the UK as we transition to net zero and work towards building a cleaner, greener future.
But a new partnership between Quantum and Daikin will help to meet the growing demand for skilled workers who can install and maintain decarbonisation technologies, by supporting the training of new installers and the upskilling of existing engineers.
The collaboration will ensure learners have a clear pathway to both enhancing their skills and contributing to a more sustainable country in the years ahead.
Creating our tomorrow
Quantum and Daikin are working together to attract more young people to the green skills industry and to offer training solutions that combine classroom theory with practical, hands-on experience.
This partnership aims to ensure young people – as well as experienced plumbing and heating engineers – can access the training courses, equipment and practical experience needed to address the green skills gap and join the decarbonisation workforce of tomorrow.
Hands-on training
Quantum and Daikin UK’s combined expertise, efficiency and experience has resulted in the rollout of bespoke Renewable Training Facilities, which are available for learners taking courses at Quantum’s HQ in Essex, and for purchase by further education colleges.
This state-of-the-art equipment offers learners hands-on, practical exposure to renewable energy and low carbon technologies, to support and enhance the theoretical knowledge they learn in the classroom.
The Renewable Training Facilities cover core systems including solar thermal, solar PV, EV charging and battery energy storage, plus air source heat pumps.
A growing industry
Quantum and Daikin UK’s vision for the partnership is that it attracts more people to the green skills industry in the years ahead – and demand for skilled renewables engineers is increasing.
The UK aims to be net zero by 2050, with a 78 per cent reduction in emissions by 2035.
An estimated 400,000 roles will need to be filled to meet such targets and build a net zero energy workforce to meet increased demand for renewable energy production, according to the National Grid. Of this, 260,000 will be new roles, the rest replacing those who have left the workforce.
National Grid research also found that more than three-quarters of UK adults (78%) want to play their part in reaching the UK’s net zero goal.
Maria Gonella, Managing Partner at Quantum, said: “This collaboration is a significant step towards addressing the UK’s green skills gap and accelerating the transition to a net zero workforce.
“Together, we hope to truly impact the renewable training industry from its source – further education – to ensure our nation’s path to a sustainable future is taking shape from the roots, our future workforce.
“By combining Quantum’s sector-leading training expertise and vision with Daikin’s manufacturing excellence, this partnership will offer a comprehensive learning experience that aligns with the needs of both students and employers.
“I am incredibly proud of this partnership, which is an exciting milestone for both Quantum and Daikin. I’d also like to acknowledge the incredible work of the Quantum team. We would not be in the position we are today without their dedication and collaboration. Thank you.”
Martin Passingham, Product and Training Manager at Daikin UK, said: “Demand for heat pumps is growing rapidly thanks to the impending ban on gas boilers in new homes and government incentives to upgrade to low carbon heating. It’s never been more important for heating installers to upskill and ensure that they are prepared for the future. Our partnership with Quantum makes it easier than ever to do exactly that.
“There is a real need for highly trained professionals and skilled installers that are up to the challenge of supporting this renewables revolution. Working with an installer accredited by our Renewable Training Facilities will give homeowners the reassurance to make the vital transition to heat pumps and play their part in the country’s journey to net zero.”
“This innovative partnership underlines Daikin’s commitment to playing a leading role in decarbonising the UK’s domestic and commercial heating.”
Our vision for a greener future
Quantum was established in 1997 and is now an industry-leading decarbonisation specialist and renewable training provider. We offer bespoke energy-saving and low carbon system designs and installations for the built environment. In parallel, our renewable training business provides a range of training products and services dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net zero workforce. By equipping both students and engineers with the necessary green skills, we aim to contribute to achieving our broader net zero climate ambitions in the future.
Our collaborative approach with industry stakeholders helps us remain at the forefront of the renewable energy sector. Our mission is to leverage our industry expertise to deliver the most efficient sustainable energy solutions and training opportunities available, to drive the acceleration towards a greener future.
We have been building our Renewable Training Business since June 2021 and are now a leading training provider for existing engineers and students in further education.
Our expert team can also assist colleges with the process of public funding support for green skills training packages, such as the Local Skills Improvement Fund.
More information
More information about Quantum’s courses, Renewable Training Facilities and ‘Train the Green Trainer’ Academy can be obtained on our website’s dedicatedTraining section. You can also contact Jade Husson, Business Development, at[email protected]
Daikin UK is an eco-heating technology brand leading the industry in providing innovative indoor climate management solutions, such as heat pumps, to reduce environmental impact. As part of the global Daikin Group and with almost 100 years of experience, Daikin has built a worldwide reputation for quality and technology, developing heating solutions that create comfortable and sustainable interior environments for everyone.
In 2020, Daikin launched itsEnergy for Change campaign, which aims to educate consumers on the benefits of heat pumps and promote their installation – helping the UK move to a more sustainable future. As part of its Energy for Change campaign, Daikin has created the Sustainable Home Network to provide top quality, free heat pump training to installers across the UK, helping them futureproof their businesses and support the UK’s transition towards green energy.
Additional information on Daikin’s pioneering technology can be found on its website, alongside details on why choosing a heat pump could help reduce UK homes’ carbon emissions:www.daikin.co.uk
The Quantum Group is thrilled to unveil our exciting new brand identity, reflecting our new look and ambition – and vision for a greener future.
Our sleek new look reflects both our evolution as a company, our growing ambitions and our vision for a greener, brighter future.
The change to our brand identity has been sparked by our decision to streamline our service provision into two distinct but complementary businesses – Quantum Training and Quantum Decarbonisation.
We are now dramatically expanding our training provision, offering even more green skills courses for experienced trade engineers, apprentices, students, career changers and even the college tutors who are training the next generation of renewables specialists.
We are also rolling out even more decarbonisation solutions, with bespoke energy-saving and low carbon system designs and installations for the built environment.
Our vision is to accelerate the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy by providing state-of-the-art decarbonisation solutions and addressing national green skills shortages.
Our mission is to utilise our deep industry expertise to deliver the most energy-efficient and sustainable solutions and training opportunities.
Our custom-built training booths and demonstration units bridge the gap between theory and practice by giving trainees hands-on experience of installing and maintaining green solutions such as air source heat pumps and solar PV systems.
We’ll also be giving our website a new look and have a number of exciting announcements coming up – keep checking our website and follow us on social media for more updates.
You are a sole trader or work for a business with 250 employees or fewer, or are unemployed
You or the business you work for are certified by an appropriate competent person scheme for heating and hot water systems, e.g. APHC, BESCA, Blue Flame Certification, Gas Safe Register, Certsure/NICEIC, HETAS, NAPIT, OFTEC or Stroma
Has your employer received £315,000 or more in Government subsidies over the past three years?
Heat pumps could boost the energy efficiency of millions of British homes and buildings if installed correctly.
Decarbonisation efforts such as this are vital to help the UK meet its legally binding climate targets. But to achieve this, thousands more heating engineers need to learn to install and maintain green technologies like heat pumps.
To help, the Government is offering grants of £500 to trainees to cover the cost of learning to install air source heat pumps.
This qualification is acceptable to all MCS providers and will train you to become a competent and confident air source heat pump Installer, allowing you to grow your business and support the decarbonisation of heating systems.
To qualify for the funding, you must hold:
A N/SVQ Level 2/3 in Plumbing or Heating and Ventilating (Domestic or Industrial and Commercial) or Oil-Fired Technical Services or an equivalent earlier certification that provides evidence of competence.
WRAS Water Regulation/Water Byelaws or equivalent (we can offer this course prior to the ASHP Course, if needed).
