Ground Source Heat Pump Systems (Level 3) – Focused Course

Key info

  • Duration: Course content delivered over 3 days

  • Entry requirements:  Must hold the Water Regulations Certificate plus relevant industry qualifications (See FAQs for more details)

  • Qualification: LCL Awards Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Ground Source Heat Pump Systems (non-refrigerant circuits)

  • Cost: £792

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for anyone who:

  • …is a qualified plumber, heating engineer, gas engineer or other sector-adjacent professional interesting in upskilling into the renewable energy sector

  • …holds a Water Regulations Certificate and relevant industry qualifications

  • …is an engineer with an eye for new and expanding markets where their skills might be applicable with the right training

  • …may not have earned their existing qualifications with Staffordshire Training Service – all qualified candidates are welcome!

About the Ground Source Heat Pump Systems (Level 3) – Focused Course

This specialist course gives learners the chance to develop the specialist expertise necessary to begin installing and maintaining ground source heat pumps.

This technology allows domestic and commercial users to draw energy from the ground to heat sites and buildings. When used correctly, a heat pump system is designed to reduce reliance on traditional heating methods such as central heating, creating a cheaper and more sustainable heating process.

As a focused course, your learning programme will be built around the installation, maintenance and ongoing servicing of ground source heat pump systems. You will learn:

  • the fundamental design principles for ground source heat pump collector circuits, design, component sizing and installation

  • the common requirements for the installation of a ground source heat pump connected to hydraulic emitter circuits

  • how to install heat pump units (non-refrigeration units)

  • how to test and commission a ground source heat pump system (non-refrigerant circuits)

  • how to undertake the non-refrigerant circuit routine service and maintenance of a ground source heat pump system (non-refrigerant circuits)

  • and more.

Once you earn your NVQ Diploma in Plumbing & Heating, you will be eligible to:

  • work for a number of large plumbing firms (e.g. British Gas)
  • apply for a JIB-PMES CSCS Blue Plumber Card
  • join an Approved Plumber Scheme (See FAQs for more details).

The course is designed for learners from a heating background (wet central heating systems), allowing them to establish a strong knowledge of in the installation and maintenance of ground source heat pump systems (specifically non-refrigerant circuits).

How is the Ground Source Heat Pump Systems (Level 3) – Focused Course delivered and assessed?

The course is taught over four full days of teaching at our Stafford training centre.

You will be assessed through work performance activities and two or three online assessments, depending on which learning route you take.

There are no credits or honours for this course. You will either pass and gain your qualification, or you will be referred and have the opportunity to retake the exam at a later date. If you need to retake the exam, you will receive a free re-sit for each module.

What are the next steps after earning my Ground Source Heat Pump Systems (Level 3) qualification?

Once you are qualified to install and maintain ground source heat pump systems, we will offer you support on next steps. This can include connecting you with partner organisations and clients who are in need of qualified installers, either on a direct of subcontracting basis.

Frequently asked questions

Which accredited bodies can I join if I secure this certificate?2023-10-31T13:34:36+00:00

If you were to secure your certificate, you can apply to be a member of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). However, if you are registering strictly for the installation of heat pumps, you will be required to demonstrate that you have a contract in place with a qualified design engineer.

What experience do applicants need to secure a place on the course?2023-10-31T13:33:42+00:00

You do not need to have any specific professional experience of working with heat pump systems, however, you need to hold a N/SVQ Level 2 or 3 certificate in your relevant professional industry. For heating installers, you need to have experience installing wet central heating systems, evidenced either by Gas Safe, OFTEC, MCS or HETAS registration.

You will also need your WRAS Water Regulations/Water Byelaws Certificate or equivalent.

For more information about the specific requirements for this course, please visit the LCL Awards course page. If you’re unsure whether this course is right for you or not, you can talk to our team of teachers and engineers. We’ll be happy to offer you all the advice and guidance you may need.

How is the training and assessment for this qualification accredited?2023-10-31T14:14:12+00:00

Staffordshire Training Centre is one of approximately 160 approved centres delivering training and carrying out assessments under the LCL Awards.

The LCL Awards is one of the Building Services Engineering (BSE) sectors foremost awarding organisation and certification bodies. They’re a well-trusted and recognised organisation; read more about the LCL Awards here.

What happens if I fail the exam?2024-02-07T14:13:54+00:00

If you were unable to successfully pass the assessment phase of the course, you would be referred and together, we’d work out what approach is best for you.

If a candidate wants to retake their exams, we provide you with the opportunity to re-sit any module exam for free. We’d also work with them to ensure they can further develop their skills and practical experience, giving them the confidence and knowledge to hopefully pass their exams this time round.

If we or the candidate feels they need more significant support or that the course isn’t suitable for them, we would work with the candidate to work out the best outcome for all.

How old do learners need to be?2024-02-07T14:13:12+00:00

To join this course, you will need to be over 18 years of age and no longer in full-time formal education.

We’re lucky enough to have a great mix of people join us in our classrooms, and we often welcome learners who are over 50.

Upcoming training course dates

April 3, 4 and 24, 2024
May 8, 9 and 22, 2024
June 25, 26 and July 3, 2024

Sound like the course for you?

Book straight away or ask the friendly team a question – we are here to help you find the right course

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