First-of-its-Kind Heat Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

Pinnacle Group subsidiary Pinnacle Power is claiming a UK first following the development of a new Heat Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship programme.

The new 36-month apprenticeship aims to support the UK’s journey to net zero, building on the sustainable energy expertise that Pinnacle provides its private and public sector commercial and residential property clients.

Initial approval for the apprenticeship programme has been received from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE). Full curriculum details, funding levels and partnerships with local colleges are all being finalised by the Trailblazer group, which includes industry leading organisations in the heat network industry, including EQUANS, Uniper, E.ON, SSE, Metropolitan, FairHeat, Vattenfall and Vital Energi.

Pinnacle Group plans to make a final submission to the IFATE by the winter, with a full roll-out of the programme expected in 2023.

Toby Powell, Pinnacle Power’s head of operations and chair of the Trailblazer group, says: “To reduce carbon emissions and meet sustainability targets, there is a rapid roll out of heat networks across the country. To meet the needs of this growing industry, we are looking to encourage new talent, provide structured learning and a rewarding career to those that wish to join us at this exciting time.

“At Pinnacle Power, we have a responsibility to design, build, operate, maintain and provide customer services that deliver sustainable heating to thousands of properties and commercial businesses across the country.”

The apprenticeship will be open to those over the age of 16 and will focus on a core or Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) foundation module, including mechanical, electrical and controls principles. This core module will be complemented with options to specialise in Heat Interface Units (HIUs), Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) distribution systems, or heat generation plant and equipment.

Heat networks, which are distribution systems that can take heat from a central single source to heat a network of properties, form an important part of the government’s 2050 Net Zero strategy. This is because the energy they provide can be supplied by a range of low carbon heating sources, removing the need for individual high carbon heating systems, such as gas boilers.

For more information about the Heat Network Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship programme, and how to get involved, visit www.pinnaclepower.co.uk.