New Training Center Addresses Skills Gap in Low-Carbon Heating

Lakes College, located in Workington, Cumbria, has established a new training center designed to address the existing skills deficit in low-carbon heating technologies. The college utilized £200,000 in government funding to develop new courses and facilities focused on training for air and ground source heat pumps, solar thermal systems, and other low-carbon heating solutions. According to information provided by the college, the Heat Pump Association projects a requirement for 33,700 heat pump installers across the UK to facilitate the shift towards clean heating systems. Currently, approximately 7,100 new installers have obtained qualifications. Chris Nattress, the principal, stated: “Net Zero is a matter of great importance and the UK and Cumbria have ambitious green targets to hit to protect our planet for future generations.” The government has pledged to upgrade hundreds of thousands of residences as part of its Warm Home Plan initiative. Furthermore, the college’s green energy and skills center is equipped with facilities enabling individuals to acquire competencies in solar energy, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging technologies. The college announced that applications for its Level 3 courses are currently being accepted, and additional shorter professional courses are scheduled to become available in the new year. For updates, follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.