From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD today launched a new Domestic Heat Pump Installation Incentivisation Scheme for plumbers.
The new scheme, which operates from today to December 1, will help qualified plumbers undertake heat pump installation training courses.
Speaking today, Minister O’Donovan said:
“I am delighted to officially announce the introduction of a new Domestic Heat Pump Installation Incentivisation Scheme for plumbers.
“This scheme will give an incentive of up to €500 where plumbers take time off work to upskill as SEAI-registered heat pump installers.
“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.
“Up to 300 qualified plumbers will now be able to take time off from work to complete the domestic heat pump installation training course.
“Our commitment to a sustainable future requires skilled professionals. This course will help play a vital role in achieving our climate targets.”
Joe Cunningham, Chief Executive at Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, said:
“We are delighted to introduce this incentivisation scheme, which is pivotal in addressing the current constraints in heat pump installation capacity.
“By targeting recently qualified craft plumbers, we aim to rapidly enhance the sectoral expertise in domestic heat pump technologies.
“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.”
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.
“This incentivisation scheme is a great example of how SEAI and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science have been working together. We have heard from contractors and plumbers that lost earnings while training is a real barrier and we have delivered a very practical solution.”
Currently, there are approximately 500 registered heat pump installers, but an additional 500 are needed by 2025. Industry consultations have revealed that taking time off work and lost earnings inhibit the take-up of upskilling training courses.
This 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.
Those interested in enrolling in the scheme can find out more details by contacting incentivescheme@mountlucas.ie .
The scheme will provide a payment to companies to offset the opportunity costs involved in their staff foregoing working days to undertake training.
The scheme is not intended to match the income which would have been received for work which would have been carried out; rather it is a monetary contribution towards covering such costs. The contribution is set at €100 per day per individual, to a maximum of €500 in respect of an individual.
Where the person is self-employed, they will receive the contribution. Where they are an employee, their employer will receive the contribution.
The Scheme will close to new applications on 1st December 2024. It will close earlier if the funds are exhausted before that date.
The scheme is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, via SOLAS, and is administered by Laois-Offaly Education and Training Board.
During the first phase of implementation, the scheme will fund learners to undertake the Domestic Heat Pump Installation courses offered by Laois-Offaly ETB, City of Dublin ETB, and Waterford-Wexford ETB. The scheme may expand to include further providers at a later stage.
Details of the scheme including a list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found at this link .