On successful completion of the course, learners will be equipped with essential green skills and industry knowledge to progress into roles such as Heat Pump Installer, Renewable Heating Technician or Engineer, and Solar Thermal Installer—supporting the transition to low carbon technologies and a more sustainable future.
What can this course lead to?
Who is it for?
The broad purpose of the occupation is 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.
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 also as a member of a team involving close liaison and cooperation with site and line management, colleagues and other trades.
What is covered?
Core Knowledge
Health, Safety & Legal Requirements
- Health and safety laws and safe working practices (K1)
- Legal standards for system installation, service, repair (K6)
- Risk assessments, method statements, and work programme planning (K24)
- Electrical safety and competence limits (K26)
- F-Gas regulations (K17)
- Sustainability & Environment Energy efficiency, recycling, and emissions management (K2) Renewable vs. non-renewable energy, decarbonisation, and UN SDGs (K10)
- System Principles & Practices How low carbon heating systems work (K4, K9)
- Installation, maintenance, and testing of systems: air/ground/water source heat pumps, solar thermal, etc. (K3, K8, K11, K14, K16, K19, K21)
- Electrical control systems: installation, testing, decommissioning (K12, K13, K15, K18, K20, K22)
- Roles & Communication Industry roles and responsibilities (K5)
- Communication techniques (K7)
- Collaborative, ethical working with stakeholders (K25)
- Well-being and mental health awareness (K23)
Key Skills
- Safety & Sustainability
- Work safely and follow legal standards (S1)
- Apply environmental and sustainability principles (S2)
- System Handling
- Plan work programmes, risk assessments, and method statements (S3, S4)
- Install and commission systems and controls (S5, S6, S7, S8)
- Service, maintain, diagnose faults and safely isolate systems (S9, S10)
- Decommission systems and controls (S11, S12)
- Planning & Communication
- Plan and size appropriate systems (S13)
- Communicate effectively in speech and writing (S14)
- Solve problems collaboratively with clients/stakeholders (S15)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Individual employers will set selection criteria, but it is likely to include 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 and above including English and Maths and Science or a Technology subject; relevant Level 2 Plumbing and Heating qualification; other relevant qualifications and experience; or an aptitude test with a focus on electrical skills.
You will also require a suitable supportive employer who will guide you through your Apprenticeship.
We strongly advise you to complete a minimum of 2 weeks work experience with your employer prior to the start of your Apprenticeship to ensure it is a suitable organisation for your needs.
As well as being assessed continually throughout your Apprenticeship course, all Apprentices are required to complete an End–point Assessment in order to complete their qualification.
The EPA is conducted independently to your employer and Peterborough Regional College and is designed to test whether you have gained the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the Plumbing and Domestic Heating Apprenticeship Standard. You will be graded according to your individual performance.
Throughout the duration of your Apprenticeship you will complete Level 3 Plumbing and Domestic Heating Qualification before to taking the end-point Assessment. Only when the stated qualification has been completed can your assessor and employer agree to put your forward for the ‘Gateway’. This gateway allows you to focus on and prepare for your EPA in order to complete your Apprenticeship. During this time your employer will be expected to support you to prepare for your EPA through regular training and guidance.
Throughout the Apprenticeship it is your responsibility with the help from your employer, assessor and college tutors to ensure you are ready for your final independent EPA.
More information about your EPA will be given to you by your Assessor at the Apprenticeship Sign Up.
Learners may need to purchase uniform and/or equipment depending on the employer.
Apprentices are also required to apply for a Trainee CSCS card which may involve an additional cost. There is no requirement for the employer to support you with this cost, you would need to discuss this with your employer directly.
Studying at Peterborough College has taught me that I can achieve great things and now I feel I can achieve a lot more. I cannot wait to get to University!
Saleh Ali
Construction and the Built Environment Extended Diploma Level 3
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