Heat pump training incentive launched
A new scheme designed to help qualified plumbers undertake heat pump installation training courses has been launched.
The Domestic Heat Pump Installation Incentivisation Scheme offers an incentive of up to €500 where plumbers take time off work to upskill as SEAI-registered heat pump installers.
It is expected that up to 300 qualified plumbers in Ireland will now be able to take time off from work to complete the domestic heat pump installation training course.
Launching the scheme, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said the scheme will play a vital role in achieving Ireland’s climate targets.
He said: “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.”
Dr Ciaran Byrne, Director of National Retrofit at SEAI, said: “SEAI is constantly engaging with contractors and manufacturers to understand the challenges they are facing and to identify any impediments to them growing their operations.
“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.
“We have heard from contractors and plumbers that lost earnings while training is a real barrier and we have delivered a very practical solution,” added Dr Byrne.
Currently, there are approximately 500 registered heat pump installers in Ireland, but an additional 500 are needed by 2025 according to the Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
The new 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.
Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive at Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, said: “By targeting recently qualified craft plumbers, we aim to rapidly enhance the sectoral expertise in domestic heat pump technologies.”
He added: “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.”
Those interested in enrolling in the scheme can find out more details by contacting incentivescheme@mountlucas.ie.