Air Source Heat Pump Training

Air Source Heat Pump Training content

Air Source Heat Pump Training

UHI Argyll are working with the The Energy Saving Trust via the Scottish Government’s Heat Pump Skills Fund, and South Lanarkshire College, to bring you the opportunity to undertake training in the installation and maintenance of Air Source Heat Pumps at the 50% discounted rate of just £700. Demand for renewable heating is rising fast – and customers increasingly expect local, competent installers who can design, install and maintain air source heat pump systems. This one‑week, hands‑on training course in Lochgilphead gives qualified plumbers and heating installers the skills, certification and confidence to expand into heat pumps without long travel or extended time off the tools.

Dates: 9th – 13th March 2026     

Location: UHI Argyll CERC, Kilmory Industrial Estate, Lochgilphead

Cost: £700 ( which includes 50% funding discount)

A picture of a van which houses the mobile training unit for heat pumps.


Why Take This Course?
✅ Win more renewable heating work and futureproof your business
✅ BPEC‑recognised qualifications aligned to MCS competence requirements
✅ Train locally in Lochgilphead – minimise disruption to your workload
✅ One complete training package covering Water Regulations, Heat Pumps and Unvented Hot Water
✅ Comprehensive course manual included (worth £73.50)

Day 1 - Water Bylaws (1 day) https://bpec.org.uk/qualification/water-regulationsbyelaws/

The course covers the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 (England & Wales), the Water Supply (Water Fittings)(Scotland) Byelaws 2014 and The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009. It meets the requirements of Water Regs UK on behalf of the water undertakers which participate in the Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS).
The Water Regulations/Byelaws certificate has no expiry date applied.

Days 2-4 - Heat Pump Technology and Domestic Air Source Heat Pump (Level 3) (3 days) https://bpec.org.uk/qualification/heat-pump-systems/ 

Designed to give installers the skills and knowledge required to correctly install heat pumps. This course has been designed with the intention of meeting the requirement of the National Occupational Standards and industry working groups.
Assessments normally consist of a combination of practical and theory examinations.
The training manual allows you to study in your own time, at your own pace, to reduce the time spent on the training course to a minimum. It is important that you study the content of the manual prior to attending the course to ensure that you are properly prepared and can take part in discussions during the course.
Recognised as a demonstration of competence for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Certificate valid for 5 years.
The manual (worth £73.50) includes:
•    Heat pumps in context.
•    How a Heat pump works – principles and components
•    Insulation, heat losses and the effect of heating system design
•    Domestic hot water, buffer tanks and solar coils
•    Heat exchangers
•    Health and Safety
•    Heat pump installation
•    Maintenance and fault finding

Day 5 - Unvented (1 day) https://bpec.org.uk/qualification/domestic-hot-water-storage-systems/ 
The very comprehensive course starts with intensive training in the four modules, followed by the completion of three assessments including one practical. Candidates must successfully pass all three assessments to gain the BPEC Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems certificate and competency card. Certificates are valid for 5 years.
Allows the individual/business to register with a competent person scheme allowing the self-certifying of unvented hot water storage systems installations.
The training manual consists of four modules:
•    Vented and Unvented systems and their operating principles
•    Design and installation
•    Maintenance
•    Compliance with other Building Regulations

Entry Requirements

These courses are for qualified plumbers who usually hold an SVQ3 qualification. Entry requirements are as a minimum (any one of the following):

  • N/SVQ Level 2/3 in Plumbing or equivalent earlier certification; or
  • N/SVQ Level 2/3 in Heating and Ventilating (Domestic Installation) or equivalent earlier certification; or
  • N/SVQ Level 2/3 in Heating and Ventilating (Industrial and Commercial Installation) or equivalent earlier certification; or
  • N/SVQ Level 2/3 in Oil-Fired Technical Services or equivalent earlier certification; or
  • N/SVQ Level 2/3 in Gas Installation and Maintenance or equivalent earlier certification; or
  • Heating installers with minimum 3 years of experience installing wet central heating systems, evidenced either by manufacturer courses certification or Gas Safe Register, OFTEC, MCS or HETAS registration

AND if not included in the above qualification

  • Water Regulations/Water Byelaws (provided as first day)

Please contact ACbusiness@uhi.ac.uk to reserve you place.

Places on this training course are limited to 8 and will be allocated on a first come basis. We'll send you a booking form and invoice. Payment in full will be required to secure your spot.