Beyond Three Days: Rethinking Heat Pump Installation Training

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Nathan speaks with Leah Robson, owner of a small SME (Your Energy Your Way) installing heat pumps, batteries, and solar, about her recent appearance at Westminster. Leah gave evidence to the "Workforce Planning to Deliver Clean, Secure Energy" Committee, invited through Ellora Coupe of "Her Retrofit Space." The discussion centres on whether Leah's concerns about workforce training, particularly for heat pump installation, were understood by the committee.

Key Discussion Points:

• Westminster Testimony: Leah shares her experience presenting to the committee and her assessment of whether her points regarding the challenges faced by small businesses were acknowledged.
• The Three-Day Training Issue: The core of the episode focuses on the prevalence of three-day heat pump installation courses and Leah's concerns about their adequacy. She highlights potential issues with the depth of knowledge gained and the practical experience of some trainers.
• Heating Training Grant (HTG): Who Wins? Nathan and Leah explore the effectiveness of the HTG, questioning whether the primary beneficiaries are the awarding bodies, training centers, or the engineers themselves.
• Engineer Perspectives: Feedback from experienced gas engineers who have taken these short courses suggests the training is insufficient and doesn't adequately prepare them for real-world heat pump installations.
• Taxpayer Value: The episode raises concerns about the value for money for UK taxpayers funding the HTG if the resulting training isn't producing competent installers.

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