APHC Ltd. has welcomed the recent Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) announcement of a 
£500,000 support package designed to help domestic SME heating engineers to up skill to enable them to take part in the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme when it is launched early next year.
The financial support is split into two: the first is a training support scheme to help existing workers gain the qualifications they need to become MCS certified and get involved in the installation and maintenance of domestic renewable heat technologies. The support in the form of vouchers (worth up to £500 each with a maximum of five vouchers per company) will be available to SME businesses who wish to cover the following areas: Solar Thermal, Heat Pumps (both air and ground source) and Biomass.
The second part of the scheme is aimed at encouraging apprentices to become skilled in one or more renewable technologies. Apprenticeship vouchers are worth up to £2500 (including VAT) and are available to eligible SME businesses.
Graeme Dryden, Technical Services Manager, APHC Ltd. explained: “This is a welcome move from the DECC to encourage more SME businesses to get involved in the MCS and RHI scheme when it is launched next year. The vouchers will be a big help to those who wish to undertake the relevant training, however I would urge all existing installers looking to apply for these vouchers to choose their training and assessment carefully. One of the key considerations is that the training must include a course that includes a QCF assessment that leads to a qualification that is accredited by an awarding organisation. The vouchers must also be used within a three month period so installers must be able to complete the training within that time period.”
More details on the support scheme and an application form are available from the scheme administrators GTEC Training: www.rhitraining.co.uk
