The 36-month apprenticeship has been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) and includes support from the Trailblazer group comprising EQUANS, Uniper, E.ON, SSE, Metropolitan, FairHeat, Vattenfall and Vital Energi.
Toby Powell, Pinnacle Power’s head of operations and chair of the Trailblazer group, is focusing on the successful roll-out of the apprenticeship programme.
“To reduce carbon emissions and meet sustainability targets, there is a rapid rollout of heat networks across the country. To meet the needs of this growing industry, we are looking to encourage new talent, and provide structured learning and a rewarding career to those that wish to join us at this exciting time.
Supporting a growing industry
“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,” said Toby.
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.
Future-proofing the team
Toby added: “We are proud to be progressing these apprenticeships and see it as a crucial way to future-proof our team. It also feeds into our purpose as a company that gives back to communities by providing employment and training opportunities.”
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 strategies. 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.