Bolton College launches 'low carbon' apprenticeship

The Deane Road based college hosted a gathering of industry specialists and guests to launch its new Low Carbon Technician Apprenticeship.

The new apprenticeship was developed by employers with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), supported by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

Bolton College plumbing tutor Ian Hall said: “This apprenticeship is ground breaking and is crucially needed by the sector; the event served as a platform to showcase the apprenticeship and foster dialogue among organisations to explore its applicability to their needs.

“It has been a privilege to contribute to this pioneering apprenticeship and to have the opportunity to collaborate with MCS and IfATE in driving it forward.

The new apprenticeship will focus on low carbon technology (Image: Bolton College)

“We eagerly anticipate welcoming our apprentices in August and to embarking on this journey.”

The new apprenticeship is designed to meet the plumbing industry’s growing needs for professionals who are skilled in renewable and sustainable technology.

The launch event organised by Mr Hall was attended by organisations like Bolton at Home, NHS Property Services and Plumbtec (NW).

Plumbtec UK director Adam Kenyon came to the event along with GroundThem managing director Andy Louth and MCS sector skills manager Martyn Raine.

Mr Kenyon said: “I know first-hand how important apprenticeships are, having completed my Level 3 plumbing and heating apprenticeship at Bolton College around 20 years ago; they are the key to future growth and skills within a critical industry.

“The launch of this apprenticeship is a step in the right direction as we transition towards low carbon heating technology.

“The heat pump sector is growing at a rapid rate and the only way to continue this growth is to educate and train the next generation of heating engineers in the latest technology and heating design.

“The launch of this apprenticeship will put Bolton College at the forefront of developing the next generation of engineers.”

College tutors hope that the apprenticeship will align with the government’s aim of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

This will need low-carbon heating and hot water systems in all new homes from next year.

Mr Louth, who is also chair of the Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship employer group, said: "The apprenticeship is vitally important to the industry from the employer group standpoint, in my role as the chair of the employer group.

“I feel that it is important that the colleges and employers work together to meet the industry needs and further the apprentices’ development.

“The employers have worked very hard to create the duties with the KSB's which meet the evolving industry which Bolton College has totally taken on board and led the development and therefore is ready to deliver due to engagement with employers and MCS.”

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The college says that the newest programme signifies a significant leap from its previous apprentices by focusing exclusively on low carbon technology.

Mr Raine said: “We are pleased to support Bolton College as they prepare to launch the new Low Carbon Heating Technician apprenticeship.

“The apprenticeship will equip a new generation with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to have a successful career in low carbon heating sector.

“The future of home heating includes heat pumps and solar thermal and as we drive towards Net Zero this apprenticeship will help contribute to the skilled workforce required.”

The first new apprentices are expected to start their courses in August this year.