Laois Offaly ETB to administer new €150,000 heat pump pilot scheme
The scheme aims to train up 300 qualified plumbers in domestic heat pump installation
A pilot scheme being administered by Laois Offaly ETB hopes to see hundreds of plumbers trained in domestic heat pump installation.
Qualified plumbers and their employers are to be offered up to €500 while they train to install domestic heat pumps under the €150,000 pilot scheme announced today.
The Domestic Heat Pump Installation Incentivisation Scheme aims to support the training of 300 domestic heat pump installers.
According to the SEAI, there are around 500 domestic heat pump installers registered in Ireland and a further 500 are needed by 2025. This scheme aims to see an additional 300 trained by providing €100 a day to the qualified plumber’s employer while they are trained up.
Chief Executive at Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, Joe Cunningham welcomed the initiative.
“We are delighted to introduce this incentivisation scheme, which is pivotal in addressing the current constraints in heat pump installation capacity. By targeting recently qualified craft plumbers, we aim to rapidly enhance the sectoral expertise in domestic heat pump technologies.
“This initiative not only supports our climate action goals but also provides valuable upskilling opportunities for construction industry professionals. Together with SEAI, DFHERIS, SOLAS, and approved training providers, we are committed to making significant strides towards a sustainable, energy-efficient future for Ireland,” he said.
The scheme, which opens today and runs to December 1, was announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan.
“This scheme will give an incentive of up to €500 where plumbers take time off work to upskill as SEAI-registered heat pump installers.
“By helping to offset these costs, the scheme will allow small and medium contractors to upskill their staff, gain extra capacity in an area that is in increasing demand, and help plumbers to future-proof their careers.” said Minister
Director of National Retrofit at SEAI, Dr Ciaran Byrne said the SEAI is constantly engaging with contractors and manufacturers to understand the challenges they are facing.
“We can then collaborate with them and other government departments to find ways to remove these barriers and support the supply chain as it scales.
“This incentivisation scheme is a great example of how SEAI and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science have been working together. We have heard from contractors and plumbers that lost earnings while training is a real barrier and we have delivered a very practical solution.”
Currently, there are approximately 500 registered heat pump installers, but an additional 500 are needed by 2025. Industry consultations have revealed that taking time off work and lost earnings inhibit the take-up of upskilling training courses.
This scheme will help accelerate the adoption of heat pumps by boosting the supply chain's installation capacity. It is aligned with the Government’s target of installing 400,000 heat pumps by 2030 under the National Retrofit Plan.
Those interested in enrolling in the scheme can find out more details by contacting [email protected]