A new training programme has led to five new solar installers entering the green technologies supply chain, to help deliver Greater Manchester’s transition to net zero.
The programme developed by Green Economy and MCS, in partnership with The Installation Assurance Authority (The IAA), Trafford and Stockport College Group, Solar Energy UK, Waxman Energy, Atlantic Renewables, Etoto Media, NPS Atlantic and BPEC, launched a pilot programme on 21 October offering a week’s training and a host of additional benefits to support new entry to the solar market.
The programme has been developed in order to grow the UK solar market, which will need to increase by five times its present value to achieve the UK Government’s target of 70 GW of solar power by 2035.
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS said: “Renewable technologies like solar panels and heat pumps play a vital role in helping to deliver the UK’s net zero transition, but as demand for home-grown energy increases, we need to ensure the number of qualified installers also grows alongside it.
Customers need to be confident in both the technologies and the installers they work with, so this programme is designed to ensure that businesses meet the required MCS standards, and it also helps them to build a credible, long-term business. This is important for making sure the value from the net zero transition is retained locally.”
Nigel Donohue, CEO at The IAA said: “With 70 GW of Solar Power to be delivered by 2035 and 600,000 heat pumps per annum, The IAA is delighted to be working with Green Economy, MCS and key stakeholders on this trailblazing programme aimed at better preparing installers who want to start their MCS journey and become a certified installer operating to the very highest standards. We look forward to supporting further initiatives such as this and ensuring IAA certified MCS installers have the support they need to thrive in this exciting operating environment.”
Amy House, Director of Green Economy said: “The Installer Accelerator programme is distinctive from other training offers, because it gives participants the technical skills, with additional training and ongoing support to help the businesses gain competitive advantage in the lucrative renewables market.
Our learners will leave the programme with their qualification and first install project under their belts, as well as a wealth of benefits from our partners to ensure they can access a support network, as well as a lifetime membership of Green Economy’s Marketplace, which provides the business with a weekly pipeline of new sales opportunities.”
Andrew Kirkwood, Technical Director at A.A. Arnold Electrical Engineers & Contractors was one of the participants at the pilot and said of the programme:
“The Solar Installer Accelerator programme was incredibly insightful, and I am now more excited than ever to start installing these systems.
We attempted to enter the solar market back in 2010 but only managed to complete one installation. However, I am optimistic that this time will be different, especially with the ongoing support on offer and am committed to leveraging the resources and support provided to enhance our capabilities and contribute meaningfully to our local solar market.
Thank you to all the partners for this opportunity. I look forward to putting my new skills into practice and making a significant impact.”
It is hoped that the pilot programme will be followed by a second session focused on heat pumps, another key renewable technology. Qualified electricians or plumbers based in Greater Manchester that are interested in joining this programme can express interest via the Green Economy website.