INTELLIGENT ENERGY - EUROPE (EIE) KEY ACTION: ALTENER. Project: EIE/04/038/S EARTH: Extend Accredited Renewables Training for Heating

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1 INTELLIGENT ENERGY - EUROPE (EIE) KEY ACTION: ALTENER Project: EIE/04/038/S EARTH: Extend Accredited Renewables Training for Heating Overall Report for GSHP Installers Training Status in the EARTH Countries Report prepared by CRES as subtask leader of WP1 for the GSHP technology in the frame of WP1: Review and survey of existing Biomass, GSHP and SHW Training of the Project July 2005

2 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report Contents 1. Introduction Training infrastructures and programmes Austria Bulgaria Finland Germany Greece Lithuania Slovenia Spain United Kingdome Needs of target groups Austria Bulgaria Finland Germany Greece Lithuania Slovenia Spain United Kingdome Potential training providers Austria Bulgaria Finland Germany Greece Lithuania Slovenia Spain United Kingdome Summary of discussions with training bodies Austria Bulgaria Finland Germany Greece Lithuania Slovenia Spain United Kingdome Conclusions CRES 2

3 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report Annex 1: Country Report for Austria Annex 2: Country Report for Bulgaria Annex 3: Country Report for Finland Annex 4: Country Report for Germany Annex 5: Country Report for Greece Annex 6: Country Report for Lithuania Annex 7: Country Report for Slovenia Annex 8: Country Report for Spain Annex 9: Country Report for the U.K. CRES 3

4 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report 1. Introduction The aim of the EARTH project is the creation of high quality, accredited training courses addressed to the installers of heating systems based on three RES technologies (solar water heating systems, ground source heat pumps and biomass boilers for smallscale heating applications). The main objective of Work Package 1 of the EARTH project is the implementation of a survey on the existing status regarding the training programs for the installers of Biomass, GHSP and Solar Water heating systems, over all the nine countries participating in the project (Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Slovenia, Spain, and UK). CRES has been appointed as the leader for the subtask concerning the status over the technology of ground source (and/or geothermal) heat pumps, having thus as main task the preparation of the present overall report regarding the training status for installers of GSHP heating systems for all the participating countries. In each one of the project countries information has been collected on the existing training programmes and infrastructures, as well as any important training seminar on the installation of RES technologies for heating that has already taken place. In addition, a number of potential training providers have been contacted and the most important issues on the training programmes characteristics that could be implemented by them were discussed. At the end of the report, a number of conclusions that could be drawn from the evaluation of the overall situation of GSHP installers training in the 9 European countries involved are presented. Moreover, a couple of training programs existing or under development worldwide that could be considered as benchmarks for the purposes of EARTH are also described. The specific country reports provided by local partners are attached to the present overall report as Annexes (following the alphabetic order of the countries involved). 2. Training infrastructures and programmes 2.1 Austria Training on a vocational school in Austria comprises theoretical education and practical internship in businesses, lasts approximately three years, and follows strict guidelines set by the Austrian government. The most relevant to the ground source heat pumps installers speciality is the sanitary and climate profession, which has three specialised training programmes: gas and water installation, heating installation, ventilation installation. The gas and water installation course provides the apprentice with additional information about alternative energy forms, and the heating installation course provides information about alternative forms of energy production. Independent bodies in Austria are offering more specialised and advanced courses for installers and climate experts. For example, Arsenal research is offering heat pump training courses mainly for installers, planners or electricians by profession who work with small to medium-sized systems. At the end of the courses trainees undergo an examination whose successful completion leads to the acquisition of a certificate. Independent bodies such as WIFI, Bfi Oberösterreich, FH Pinkafeld, Energieinstitut CRES 4

5 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report Vorarlberg, Landesenergieverein Steiermark and klima:activ offer courses specialized in heat pumps. These courses vary in the number of units and cater for different needs. The courses offered by private companies and manufacturers of heat pumps (such as Competence Center Vogel & Noot Wärmetechnik or Hoval) have a strong focus on the aspect of selling, since they are offered to installers and sanitary and climate installation businesses to win new clients. The courses provide installers with a short introduction into heat pump systems and a general overview in the construction and maintenance of heat pumps, after which the installers are trained in the handling of the manufacturer s particular product. These courses do not assess the knowledge of the installers at the end of the course. 2.2 Bulgaria The market of GSHP in Bulgaria is not developed. There are only few examples of such installations in the country. BSREC has identified two small companies that design and install GSHP (i) ARS Engineering; and (ii) Mix 2000 as well as two universities that train students in the relevant sector of GSHP, as part of their Master s programmes. More specifically: ARS Engineering is a company located in Sofia, specialized in the design and installation of ground source heat pumps. The company holds training courses on GSHP design and installation, but these are restricted only to its employees. In addition, the company management is reluctant to provide any details on these courses due to confidentiality reasons. The Technical University of Varna is running accredited educational courses covering the issue of GSHP. These courses are part of the mandatory curriculum of the B.Sc. and M.Sc. students pursuing their degrees in Thermal Engineering. Although the specific courses include extensive theoretical and practical training on thermal pumps, only 2 lectures and 1 practical lesson are dedicated to GSHP. At the end of the course, all students are required to pass a 2-hours exam. The Technical University of Sofia: An accredited course Thermal pumps which is offered by the Faculty for Energy and Machine Construction, consists part of the curriculum for the Master's program of students in several subjects. The course is optional for students pursuing their Bachelor's degrees as well. Nevertheless, the specific course does not include the issue of GSHP. At the end of the course, all students are required to pass a 2-hours exam. 2.3 Finland The general installer educational system in Finland is organized under Vocational Basic Qualification or Special Qualification schemes. The professional requirements are defined nationwide by the detailed guidelines of the Vocational Department Opetushallitus under the Ministry of Education. Installer training is offered by some 43 local training institutes all over the country. No Basic Qualification scheme of installers includes any renewable heating system installer scheme (oil heating systems and district heating systems are included). An installer with the Basic Qualification training is allowed to install renewable heating systems without having specific training in these systems. The knowledge for CRES 5

6 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report this comes often through practical experience, i.e. learning by doing. The specialized training of heat pumps installers is mainly organised in Finland by the Finnish Heat Pump Association (SULPU ry). It started in 2003 and since then SULPU has granted 479 certificates. These are intended to guarantee the clients of the installer s Special Qualification in heat pumps. The training consists of self-learning, a 2 day training session and a final examination. The course is organized typically twice a year. Certification training is organized by technical institutes and polytechnics in many cities. The training includes two levels: level (A) is intended to persons who are responsible for the projecting of the heat pump installations in the company, and level (B) which is the installer training scheme. SULPU is developing further the training with the Finnish HVAC Association, so that persons that have a level (A) certificate would also be included in the general Competence Register and Certificate issued by Fise Ltd, an accreditation body for all building related certificates in Finland. Equipment manufacturers may also offer some specific training. 2.4 Germany The educational vocational system in Germany comprises two basic kinds of education: the dual education and the advanced training. The dual education system is based on the national education and training regulations and the craft standards installers must follow several years of training on the job (apprenticeship in an enterprise) and a parallel theoretical education (state-run vocational school). This combined primary education is a precondition for obtaining the first official degree of a craftsman (Geselle, journeyman). This education, together with further training according to established standards in order to receive the degree of a master, is a precondition for the establishment of an installation company. Any installer having followed the basic vocational education is allowed to install a heat pump, since no specific regulations exist. Relevant types of professions for the installation of heat pumps from the official list of currently 345 officially recognised occupations in Germany are installers for sanitary, heating and air conditioning, electricians and plumbers. Since 2003 the education of installers for sanitary, heating and air conditioning takes three and a half years. The advanced training market in Germany is organised on a regional (Bundesländer) level. A basic characteristic of this training is that there are no central regulations, since any institution or company is free to offer seminars. Institutions involved in the training of heat pumps installers are mostly the following: Chambers of crafts: They are organised at regional and national level and have many training related responsibilities, e.g. training regulations for dual education. They also offer a wide range of seminars addressed to craftsmen of all crafts, including heat pump installers. Manufacturers: The seminars organised by German producers of heat pumps are mainly addressed to their own employees, contract installers and trading partners, such as retail trade, planners, and architects and not to the broad public, whereas they specifically satisfy the training needs of their clients and cooperation partners. The seminars are free of cost, offered several times per year with a relatively small number of participants (6 10), and have duration of 1 2 days. CRES 6

7 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report Industrial associations: A considerable number of associations are activated at present in the sector of heat pumps. BWP (the German Heat Pump Association) participates in the EU-CERT Project. The Information Centre on Heat Pumps and Refrigeration Engineering (IZW) and the German Association on Building, Energy and Environment Technology (BDH) are planning to include in their activities the organisation and implementation of seminars, workshops and information events on heat pump issues. The Heat Pump Initiative in the Federal States (WIB) organises courses and seminars together with chambers of skilled crafts, addressed to heat pump installing companies providing objective evidence of operating efficiency. Since 2004 chambers examination and WIB certification is enlarged to a network system. The German Solar Energy Society (DGS) operates a Heat Pump Committee with main objective to organise training activities for installers, provide information for investors and to set up a communication network for heat pump experts. Other training institutions in Germany offering some kind of training for heat pump installers are the German Technical College for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, which offers a certified heat pump installer module developed in cooperation with Arsenal Research, and the Test and Training Centre on Heat Pumps and Refrigeration Technology (TWK), which offers a 3-day seminar on heat pumps for heating purposes. At last, energy agencies exist in some states in Germany, totally or partially supported by the state, and some of the seminars they are offering are dealing with heat pumps and are directed at installers. 2.5 Greece Technical and vocational education/training in Greece is within the competence of both the Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs (YPEPTH), through the Greek National Vocational Education and Training System, and the Manpower Employment Organisation (OAED), a body under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Vocational Training in Greece is provided with the forms of formal vocational education and training and continuing vocational training. Technical and vocational education is offered through: Technical Vocational Schools (TEEs) are classified as secondary non-compulsory education and offer both day and evening classes. TEEs are organized in two independent cycles and their objective is to provide technical and vocational knowledge in order to facilitate the young people s entry into the labour market. Among the TEEs specialties per sector the thermo-hydraulics installation technician can be distinguished, since the students that follow this specialty are taught the installation of thermal systems in the frame of the thermal installations lesson. Graduates with this specialisation are considered as assistant plumbers. Vocational Training Institutes (IEKs) are operated by both public and private bodies and are under the administration and supervision of the Organisation for Vocational Education and Training (OEEK). The Diploma of Secondary Level Vocational Training (obtained through exams of practical and theoretical nature on common subjects all over Greece) is recognised in all EU member states. The specialty of RE installations technician, one of the 140 officially approved for IEKs curricula, is currently not available by any IEK. CRES 7

8 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report Vocational Training Centres (KEKs) are certified by the National Accreditation Centre of Vocational Training Structures & Accompanying Services (EKEPIS) and they offer continuing vocational training. Public bodies (e.g. district boards for adult education, local authorities, technical, craft and commercial chambers, and universities) can run KEKs, while a number of private facilities have also been qualified as KEKs. Certified thematic KEKs (national or regional) have the ability to carry out programs of informal continuing vocational training for specialties that belong to at most four of specific thematic fields. Professional training in Greece is offered by universities, other tertiary and secondary level education institutions, chambers of commerce, craft chambers and associations, energy agencies and other public bodies. Universities in most cases treat Heat Pumps (or geothermal energy, in general) as part of a broader course in RES. Chambers of commerce organize seminars and training programmes for their member companies/ individuals, but no GSHP related training activity emanating from them was identified. Only CRES has organized before 1994 a series of training programs in a number of major Greek cities, variable both in duration and content, which were introducing the issues of geothermal applications in agriculture for potential end-users. In the private sector, the Federation of Greek Industries has established the Centres for Industrial and Vocational Training (IVEPEs), aiming at the continuing training of medium-level technical staff of its member-firms, which have been accredited as informal KEKs of national range, but no training program in heat pumps installation or maintenance issues has been implemented up to now by them. Few private companies have organised in the past a number of informative seminars addressed mainly to the technicians working for them, aiming at the presentation and the acquaintance with the new products of heat pump systems specially designed for geothermal applications. 2.6 Lithuania In Lithuania, young people having graduated from primary school have the possibility to join university, non-university, advanced and basic vocational education and training programmes. After having obtained background qualification in the energy field, they can receive training to improve their qualification for being more competent in working on the operation of a specified installation based on renewable energy sources given by a professional training institution. Vocational training is performed according to the regulations of the Government of Lithuania Republic. Training programmes are settled jointly by the Ministries of Education and Science, Economy, Social Security and Labour, Transport, etc. with the Chamber of Industry, Commerce & Trades, the State Labour Inspectorate, educational and other institutions. The Lithuanian Labour Market Training and Counselling System consists of the Lithuanian Labour Market Training Authority (LLMTA), 6 Territorial Labour Market Training and Counselling Offices, allocated to the authority, and 15 Labour Market Training Centres belonging to the area of authority s regulation. The main activities that the training centres are dealing with are mainly the provision of training to adults, retraining, and qualification improvement. Potential trainees may be employees sent by employers or through labour exchanges, and also persons who seek training independently (these are actually paying for their training from their own CRES 8

9 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report funds). A wide range of training forms are applied by the training centres (theoretical and practical training, laboratory tasks, distance training, and external studies). The training program is concluded with an examination. The trainees that complete formal training programs are issued a registered certificate providing evidence of awarded qualifications or ability to perform definite type of work, whereas those who complete non-formal training programs are issued certificates of non-formal education. The maximum duration that a training program may last is 10 months. Moreover, there has recently been a licence granted by the Ministry of Education and Science to enterprises, organisations and educational institutions for providing training courses and programs in the field of energy, including renewable energy, but none of these institutions is accredited. 2.7 Slovenia According to the educational system in Slovenia, the secondary education follows the compulsory general education. The Secondary schools include vocational and technical schools, which are preparing students predominantly for labor, whereas general secondary schools are preparing students for further studies. The planning, programming and provision of secondary vocational and technical education are a joint responsibility of social partners (employers and trade unions) and the state. Short-term vocational programmes last a year and a half for students that have completed their basic education, and two and a half years for those who have not, while a final examination is necessary. The certificate obtained enables students to enter the labour market or even the first year at any other post-secondary vocational school. Pupils who have successfully completed elementary school can enroll in 3-year secondary vocational programmes. All vocational education programmes are offered in the dual (apprenticeship) system and/or in the school-based system. Technical education is designed primarily as preparation for vocational and professional colleges, although it also leads to jobs with a broad profile. Secondary technical programmes last four years, which end with the poklicna matura. As regards the vocational education of installers of mechanical installations, two forms of this education exist at present: the dual system and the classical education. The whole educational courses are lasting for about three years. The vocational education specifically in the field of heat pumps is mainly offered by the bigger companies (e.g. KNUT d.o.o.), which are organizing educational courses addressed to their employees or which are sending their installers to vocational training abroad. Finally, there are few institutions, associations and sections that were and are now offering some educational training for installers of heat pumps, such as the CPU Centre for professional training. 2.8 Spain The training infrastructure in Spain consists of the official training system and the advanced training programmes. The primary vocational education underlies national educational regulations with degrees issued by state institutions. Young people may undergo vocational training in the dual system (secondary schools) for two years (basic CRES 9

10 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report level of professional studies). Those successfully completing the training are entitled to do skilled work in low-level graduation works, like heating installers, but not in the planning or managing areas of work. There are 142 recognized occupations. The professionals studies are regulated by the Science and Education Ministry, and each autonomous region in Spain (like Catalonia) has some relevant competences. In this professional family there is a training course with specific interest for this project, namely Installing and maintenance of cooling, air conditioning and heating systems. Nevertheless, no specific GSHP issues are explicitly mentioned in this course. The integration of GSHP competencies as a part of the Certificados de profesionalidad is a long-term aim to support the development of renewable energies. The advanced regulated training is also organised in the same way as the primary vocational education one. Two interesting courses can be identified, the Development and Maintenance of cold and heat process and Installing and maintaining building and process installations ones. No specific certification for GSHP installer exists, only a general one for the heating and cooling systems installer, which is ruled by the Building Thermal Installation Rules (RITE). On the other hand, private bodies, guilds, chambers of handicrafts as well as state and communal educational entities are not offering advanced regular training courses, just occasionally in the last months because of the higher price of diesel and electricity for both heating and cooling systems. There are two main types of craft training organizations: a) The economical promotion departments of the city governments, governmental corporations under public law, which provide a wide spectrum of services including vocational training for both employed and unemployed people; however, they are not able to organize the final examinations, since the Industry Ministry of the regional government is responsible for this. b) The chambers of skilled crafts, which in Spain are grouped in CONAIF and are non profit organizations under public law, are responsible for giving the final examinations in initial and advanced vocational training courses. As the chambers of skilled crafts have an official status and the responsibility for functional auditing, they are essential for the accreditation of GSHP training courses and for the certification of installers. There are also some associations which take action in the fields of renewable energies. Some of them deal with direct solar energies, but only ATECYR is dealing with the heat pumps issue so far. As regards the manufacturers of GSHP, there are not any yet in Spain (GSHP companies are mainly dealers and installers of heat pumps provided by Austrian, German and American manufacturers). Thereby, these companies mainly offer seminars and very short training sessions only exceptionally or by request. 2.9 United Kingdome There are various routes open to those who wish to qualify as a plumber or heating engineer. At present, to be a plumber one needs to follow the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) route. These qualifications are made up of theory and practical work in the classroom/purpose built training facility, typically provided by Further Education Colleges or other training providers, and work based experience with a working plumber. CRES 10

11 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report The NVQ qualification is divided into different levels. All recently qualified plumbers should hold NVQ Level 2 as a basic requirement, with Level 3 as the preferred level. Level 2 gives the foundation needed for a career in plumbing and teaches domestic plumbing to a satisfactory level. Level 3 is more comprehensive and deals with domestic, commercial and industrial plumbing along with aspects such as gas. School leavers with GCSEs typically follow the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship programme. The length of time an individual takes to complete the programme is not defined a-priori, as the apprenticeship is competence based on achievement. On completion of the Apprenticeship participants will have achieved the following: National Vocational Qualification (NVQ 3) Key Skills Practical Skills Test Once qualified, plumbers and heating engineers have various organisations to which they can become certified. These include the Joint Industry Board for Plumbers (JIB), the Heating and Ventilation Association, the Institute of Plumbing and the Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE). If plumbers and heating engineers are to work on gas installations they must undertake specific training in gas installation and be registered with the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI). The following organisations are the main accrediting bodies in the UK: Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA): The QCA works closely with the National Training Organisations to accredit courses and qualifications in England and works closely with the Scottish Qualifications Authority. NVQ s are the sole responsibility of the QCA throughout the UK. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs): They are responsible for the development of National Occupational Standards. SSCs are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector. Awarding bodies: They are responsible for the development and implementation of qualifications based on NOS. A number of them (e.g. City and Guilds, which run a number of training courses in plumbing and domestic heating) have been identified as possible awarding bodies for an installer qualification for the technologies considered by EARTH. There are currently no active structured installer training courses in the UK for GSHP technologies, although a course has recently been developed and is due to undertake a pilot run later this year (under the EU.CERT-HP project). However, the training infrastructure is well suited for the introduction of such courses. A number of awarding bodies exist, each with a portfolio of courses on other aspects relating to plumbing and heating. There is generally interest from these bodies, as they are always looking to react to new developments in the market, which may require new training activities. 3. Needs of target groups CRES 11

12 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report 3.1 Austria As regards the needs of target groups in the design, installation and maintenance, heat pump training courses must focus on the design of heat pumps and heat sources and on the hydraulic system integration. Since most heat pumps are applied in domestic buildings, the courses train an installer in the design and implementation of heat pump systems in domestic areas so that the installer is in a position to assume sole responsibility for the complete system, i.e. the installer is responsible for design, installation and maintenance. Installers who want to specialise in heat pump systems need to complement their conventional sanitary and climate installation training especially in the areas of refrigeration technology, electrical engineering, and system integration regarding to heat pumps. In addition, computer skills might be helpful in future, so that computer programmes could be used for system layout during the project phase, whereas marketing and cost aspects are of importance as well. Especially in the interest of trainees and their later clients, certain standards need to be kept among heat pump specialists. However, trainees need to know before the beginning of a course what qualifications they will gain with this training. Therefore, all interested parties should be provided with an evaluation form of courses on offer, i.e. a chart of training modules. Such an evaluation form would benefit the trainees immensely since it would enable them to choose the right course for their needs. If the quality and standard of the different training modules could be assessed and attributed with corresponding numbers, it would be possible for the trainees to gather credits from various courses for completed training modules so that the trainee can decide which courses wants to attend in order to qualify for the final exam and possible issue of a certificate. In addition, a training course for planners, who are frequently commissioned with large-scale installations, should be implemented in the future. 3.2 Bulgaria The needs of the target groups are closely related to the needs of the companies that deal with the design, the production and the installation of GSHP. As such, two companies have been contacted ARS Engineering and Mix 2000 and the most important outcomes of the contacts made are summarised below: The representatives from ARS technologies did not provide any information since they considered information about the GHSP market as an official secret. The current installers of Mix 2000 hold a university degree in thermal engineering. The representative of Mix 2000, Mr. Tzolov, considers that this qualification excellently fits the installers needs and that no special training courses are necessary. In addition, the representative of Mix 2000 admitted that he is not able to provide any forecast concerning the development of GSHP, but he expects an increase of the market share of this business. At last an relevant discussion with Prof. Atanas Mirchev from the Technical University of Varna, GSHP have very good perspectives for market development. According to Prof. Mirchev, many companies will be interested in the future in the CRES 12

13 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report installation of GSHP due to the new regulations for building certification and thus a great need for the training of installers will arise. Finally, he emphasized that, currently, there are only few companies in this business (ARS Engineering, Barisol, Mix 2000, Nelbo Engineering, and Heatwave), but they do not have much experience with GSHP technologies. 3.3 Finland The rapid evolution of the Finnish heat pump market, in combination with the fact that heat pumps are the second most popular heating system in new houses, makes especially important the need for better skills of the installers. With a fast growing market, there is a danger that unqualified installers enter the market, and also, that the installing training supply is inadequate. As a result, the present training schemes need to become more practical instead of rather theoretical as they are at present. The limited resources for the actual implementation of more completed training courses consist of an obstacle that has to be overcome. Physical resources are also linked to financial resources, but there seems to be in general potentially adequate physical resources to handle future training needs. If going to practical training or more locally diversified schemes, resources may become a bottleneck. As regards the issue of certification, the potential trainees consider the certificate they may receive as a very useful qualification, whereas certification of training and quality certification is considered valuable and important among installer companies as well. Seen from the customer perspective, the installer should have all the necessary skills to master the installation of the heating system, being able to make the electric connections as well as the sensor and control equipment installation in connection with the heating system. 3.4 Germany In Germany, the heat pump technology is not yet an issue in the primary vocational training. The establishment of changes in the profile of occupations within the dual education system in Germany is complicated and requires extensive organisational and administrative steps and modifications in the training regulations, which are binding to ensure a nationwide uniform level of training. In addition, the integration of new technologies in the training regulation requires the existence of sufficient installation companies, which can offer the practical training on these issues. With regard to the current number of heat pump installations per year, this cannot be ensured for heat pumps at present. Therefore there is an urgent need to offer advanced training and to motivate installers to participate in the seminars in order to ensure perfectly installed heat pumps and to overcome the image problems. A well-structured training seminar of five days duration, which will enable the craftsmen to properly install a heat pump, must cover the following basic issues: 1. Basic knowledge: heating technologies under an environmental point of view, definition of a heat pump, heat sources, types of heat use, principles of construction and operation modes, dimensioning CRES 13

14 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report 2. Thermodynamics: pressure, temperature, heat capacity of various materials, physical states, evaporation, refrigerants and refrigeration cycle, overheating, undercooling and operational safety, control systems, lubricants 3. Heat sources: comparison of various sources with respect to profitability, environmental aspects, hydraulics, heating temperatures 4. Electric installations: rated power, circuit lines, operation modes 5. Service, maintenance: system check, repair of leaks, change of components, etc. 6. Measurement: efficient operation, troubleshooting 7. Frame conditions: obtaining approval for the use of water as heat source, electricity tariffs, public acceptance of the heat pump technology and marketing 8. Interface to other experts: e. g. drilling work, sub-contracts 9. Information of the user: demonstration of operation and function, start-up and shut-down, safety issues, simple maintenance measures Furthermore, the practical training should be included in the seminar contents. 3.5 Greece A number of professions in Greece, among which the technical ones (e.g. carpenters, plumbers, smiths, welders, etc.), do not require neither a work permit nor vocational training background/credentials. On the other hand, many companies ask for certifications or working permits, mainly for the professions/specializations that their holders undertake indenture responsibilities (e.g. electricians, machine operators, etc.). In the cases that no statutory professional license is required, then the ad hoc ascertainment of the knowledge and prowess adequacy, irrespective of their origin and without asking for a diploma, is usually enough. Many companies, of the private sector instruct recruits within the company (on the job training) or they retrain the existing employees mainly in the themes they should be familiar with. In parallel, they have the opportunity to participate in training programs of the continuing training type, which are usually financed by bodies outside the company. These forms of education and training can be considered as typical and fall into the informal learning concept, without regard to their potential future standardization or confirmation by the acquisition of some kind of certification, as well as irrespective from the potential correlation (or classification) to degrees for the same speciality that have been acquired after a formal attendance in established schools. It must be mentioned that, there are very few specialized installation companies in Greece dealing with any type of plumbing works (hydraulics, heating systems, airconditioning systems, gases networks) and each manufacturer or importer of heating equipment employs its own group of installers and/or maintainers working almost exclusively for them. Finally, as was derived from the survey, the target groups of ground source heat pumps heating systems related training in Greece are installers, plumbers, and the so called thermo-hydraulics technicians. 3.6 Lithuania In Lithuania, there actually exist 15 career education centers, but none of them satisfies the requirements of competencies of heat pumps installers sufficiently. Career education assets need to be reallocated according to regions demands and a CRES 14

15 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report mechanism needs to be created on how enterprises should dispose assets, intended for career education, more flexibly. Besides, an observation system of career education should be created. The status of career education in Lithuania seems to be the same as it was 15 years ago. The requirements of career education programs for general education are unspecified, whereas qualifications after completing career education are still unclear. Career education is organized in such way that it is impossible to combine job and education periods. There is no apprentice (training in the field of production) scheme, and practical training basis of educational institutions is very weak and backward. A general problem of vocational training system in Lithuania is the high complexity of skills, which should be known by an installer; therefore not all required competencies could be covered sufficiently by the vocational training. Finally, as there are no explicit heat pumps competencies as a part of the official training programmes in the vocational training of the Lithuania educational system, lessons on heat pumps may be offered in exceptional cases, on a supplementary and voluntary basis. Only when there is a sufficiently large number of enterprises, which have experience with heat pumps systems to be passed to the apprentices, a special heat pumps programme could be introduced. In addition, neither accredited courses nor certificates exist at the moment in Lithuania. 3.7 Slovenia Vocational education in secondary schools is very general and there are no particular courses regarding the installation of heat pumps. Knut Company is currently providing one training seminar almost every year. The growing demand in the heat pump market leads to an also growing need for even more qualified installers. With integration of specific educational courses on heat pump installations in basic vocational system qualitative potential installers could be assured. The problem of the existing system is that there is a lack of practical knowledge of existing installers. 3.8 Spain In the vocational training of the Spanish educational system no explicit GSHP competencies are yet part of the official training programmes. Lessons on general standard heat pumps may be offered, but only on a supplementary and voluntary basis that includes ground source. A general problem of the vocational training system in Spain is the high complexity of skills, which should be known by an installer. In the framework of the approach of offering advanced training courses focussing on specialized skills such as GSHP, the following problem was highlighted during GSHP expert consultation: under the existing economic conditions in Spain, few craft firms can afford to send trainees or craftsmen to advanced training courses for a longer period. Thus, it would consist of a motivation for craft firms, if GSHP courses were accredited and if official and publicly recognized certificates could be obtained. So, a more close cooperation of craft firms with official Spanish craft training and education bodies may be of great interest. At last, manufacturers are interested in further education of their contract installers and some firms are thinking in offer GSHP CRES 15

16 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report training courses for them. As the consumers rely on good, functioning and high quality products, it is useful for them to identify skilled GSHP system installers. This is possible via the introduction of accredited courses and certificates for the installers. 3.9 United Kingdome The potential trainees to follow courses on the installation of GSHP, as well as training providers themselves which may offer the courses, are plumbers and heating engineers. Nevertheless, the target groups (or interest groups / stakeholders) may also include: Installation firms who may need to recruit suitably qualified personnel End users interested in a system Housing associations and commercial housing developers interested in using the technology Funding bodies who support the technology For those consisting the target groups, there is mainly the necessity for a thorough understanding of all aspects of the technology of heat pumps, as well as any practical skills required. In addition, all aspects relating to the installation of GSHP systems should be taught, enabling the installer to carry out all of the installation work. It has been noticed that in practice, plumbers and heating engineers often do not have electrical installation training, and therefore they are not officially allowed to carry out any electrical installation work. The key installer skills identified as regards the technology of heat pumps include: Design and material options for ground loops System layout Pipe joining techniques Trenching (horizontal loop)/drilling (vertical type) processes Air and debris purging Pressure drop calculations Pump and fluid selection Thermal conductivity Most potential course participants will be practicing plumbers or heating engineers, therefore course duration is an important factor. One week is seen as a typical maximum duration for one course. With limited time during the course, it is important to have clearly defined entrance qualifications for the course, to avoid having participants who lack basic plumbing knowledge or skills. 4. Potential training providers 4.1 Austria The already existing courses in Austria could consist of a very useful tool for the potential course providers, in case the providers could benefit from the cooperation of CRES 16

17 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report prior training courses. Such cooperation could consist of independent organisations like arsenal research together with FHs, WIFI or Bfi and vocational schools. Such cooperation already exists but the existing network could be extended so that arsenal research will be responsible for the contents of a course, while WIFI or Bfi will be in charge of organisational matters, and the vocational schools will provide the necessary accommodation. This will also benefit vocational schools, which would be in a position to increase their emphasis on renewable energy sources and gain valuable insight into the contents of heat pump training courses. All official independent courses provide further, additional training. They are no educational programmes (like vocational schools), and therefore it is not possible to accredit the various courses according to national standards. In Austria, only new educational programmes need to obtain accreditation from the Austrian government. If the political parties agree with the contents of the new educational programme, a law will be passed in parliament, and the new educational programme is implemented and has therefore official character. However, the certification program of arsenal research has official character, but the accreditation is related to the certification program for persons and not to the training programme itself. 4.2 Bulgaria The review made by BSREC concerning the issue of potential training providers in the area of GSHP focused on the Bulgarian organizations that are currently providing a relevant training in the GSHP area or similar ones: ARS Engineering Technical University - Sofia Technical University - Varna Mr. Georgi Hristov Tel.: ; Prof. Dimitar Kirov tel Assoc. Prof. Nikola Kaloyanov (vice-rector) tel Assoc. Prof. Atanas Mirchev Tel.: ; ARS engineering are generally interested in providing courses on GSHP for trainees outside the company. On the other hand, there is a concern that this would increase the competition in the sector. Further discussions with the company representatives will be held. The Technical University of Sofia is also interested in conducting such courses. The University offers many qualified experts that are potential training providers, quality study premises (including laboratories). Additionally, prof. Kaloyanov suggested two companies that install GSHP to be used for the practical part of the training. Another advantage of the University is that it is an accredited educational and training institution. 4.3 Finland FHPA is the most important potential training provider in Finland. Furthermore, it comprises the largest number of key players in the heat pump sector, being this way CRES 17

18 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report able both to acquire feed back from the needs of the market, but also to channel back new training schemes into it. FHPA is responsible for checking the contents of the training schemes and has assistance from the technical colleges in the practical realization. FHPA may not have a status of accreditation body, but its recent cooperation with the Finnish HVAC association and the Fise certification systems will improve its position in this area. Fise Ltd is in the process of acquiring a more official position in the certification of persons in the whole construction sector in compliance with the EU directive /norm EN Accreditation of organizations to give official certificates would be handled by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. 4.4 Germany A characteristic list of training providers on the issue of vocational training offered to heat pump installers in Germany is the following: Chambers of Crafts (regional level) Guilds (regional level): SHK (sanitary, heating, air conditioning), electricians Information Centre on Heat Pumps and Refrigeration Engineering Solar schools Heat Pump Initiative in the Federal States German Technical College for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Test and Training Centre on Heat Pumps and Refrigeration Technology Electro Technology Centre TÜV academy DEKRA Target (offering training on various renewable energies, but not yet on heat pumps) 4.5 Greece In Greece there are two types of training organisations that could undertake the role of potential training providers of courses similar to those proposed by EARTH: Institutes of Vocational Training (IEKs) and Vocational Training Centres (KEKs). However, KEKs are in general more appropriate than IEKs, due to the nature of the training provided in these two educational structures. As regards accreditation/certification, the KEKs are interested in the accreditation of their training programs. There is less interest in the accreditation of KEK structures or the certification of KEKs trainers, since the Greek government already operates such a scheme. As regards TEEs, it must be mentioned that it is rather difficult to achieve the necessary integration (even for pilot testing purposes) of the GSHP heating systems installers part of the course in TEEs curricula. This is due to the fact that this kind of modification of the curriculum schedule necessitates the involvement of (and relevant permissions obtained from) many state bodies, as well as issuing of some kind of Ministerial or Presidential Decree (or even a new Law) in order to be implemented. CRES 18

19 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report Both the State and the market actors are deeply interested in training courses/curricula that lead to some kind of certification. At the same time, well-defined structures that provide the various forms of vocational education and training, both initial (formal and informal) and continuing, exist. Although there are very few seminars/courses available nowadays in the GSHP heating systems installation topics addressing interested people in the field, there is a general interest in this direction, together with an equally important interest in the installation techniques for other RE technologies for heating/cooling. 4.6 Lithuania The main training potential providers in Lithuania can be categorised in three groups: education and research institutions, agencies and training centres, and manufacturers. All of the providers have a licence granted by the Ministry of Education and Science to provide training courses and programs in the field of energy. Their main activities are consisted to the provision of the training material, identification of lecturers, selection and organization of the training courses, support for course implementation, certification of course participants, political support and publicity for heat pumps training courses via internet, magazines and seminars. Education and research institutions are involved in the development of the training infrastructure and the implementation of courses for installers of energy facilities including heat pumps. Most of them provide professional training according to the programs approved and registered by the Ministry of Education and Science and issue the corresponding qualification certificates. The most important of them are some departments and/or centres of key Lithuanian Universities, and the Laboratory of Renewable Energy and the Energy efficiency research and information centre of the Lithuanian Energy Institute. A number of agencies, centres and associations in Lithuania can be also considered as potential training providers. The most important among them are: the Energy Agency (EA), which is a state enterprise founded in 1993, the Centre of Training for Energy Specialists (EMC), and the Lithuanian Thermotechnical Engineers Society. Finally, manufacturers, energy producers and suppliers such as UAB Viessmann and Terma have a significant experience as manufacturers of heat pump installations and on the qualified education of their implementation, control and maintenance. 4.7 Slovenia The potential training providers in Slovenia, for the development and implementation of heat pump training courses may be private companies, governmental organizations, agencies or Faculties. The most important among them are: Knut d.o.o., which is a private company representing the IVT company from Sweden, the Center of Republic of Slovenia for vocational education, the Chamber of commerce and industry of Slovenia and the Chamber of Craft of Slovenia, the Center for professional training (CPU) and the Agency for energy efficiency and renewable energy (AURE), which is part of the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning aiming at the promotion of the use of energy efficiency, RES and co-production of heat and electricity. CRES 19

20 EARTH WP1: GSHP Systems Installers Training Overall Report Other potential training providers in Slovenia are the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Zavod za tehnično izboraževanje ZTI, a non-profit organization having as scope the education and qualification of adults. ZTI is organizing over 30 different educational programs for adults where also vocational education is included. 4.8 Spain In Spain, the chambers of skilled crafts are important partners for creating and performing training courses, since they have an official status as well as the responsibility for the functional auditing, which makes them essential for the certification of installers and the accreditation of training courses. In addition, the Promotion bodies of the city governments are also important partners for establishing, controlling and organizing GSHP training courses, especially in residential areas. Some associations or institutes that could play an active role in the field of GSHP training in Spain are: IDAE, a public organisation reporting to the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce through the General Secretariat for Energy. IDAE carries out awarenessraising, dissemination, and technical advisory actions (the revision for RITE, being undertaken by IDAE, could bring new regulations for GSHP systems). ACTECYR, a non-profit organization of national level, dealing with the creation and spreading publication of technical and scientific information in the field of heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation, and energy and environment. ATECYR offers training courses on air conditioning, heating and cooling for buildings. At last, manufacturers and dealers are considered as very important partners for the EARTH project. They possess first-hand information on state-of-the-art technology, current technical problems and future technical development. However, only few dealers/manufacturers already offer special training courses focussing on their specific heating and cooling system equipment. Manufacturers may organize, in cooperation with the EARTH project, the practical part of the GSHP training course. 4.9 United Kingdome The most likely training providers for GSHP courses are the providers of courses addressed to plumbers and heating engineers, such as Further Education Colleges and other organisations providing similar training. The most appropriate body for running a course for the installation of RE technologies in the UK should be well known by plumbers and heating engineers, for instance through other vocational courses in plumbing. The awarding body should also provide a membership base through which information on courses can be disseminated. 5. Summary of discussions with training bodies 5.1 Austria The contacts and further discussion with training bodies in Austria, responsible for the provision of courses for ground source heat pumps installers, concluded to a number of CRES 20