Domestic Heat Pump Installation
Incentive scheme
for Plumbers
This new incentive scheme financially incentivises qualified plumbers who take time off work to complete Domestic Heat Pump Installation training.
Details on the scheme:
- Recently qualified Craft Apprentice Plumbers (within the last 5 years)
- Self-employed contractors will receive the contribution directly.
- In the case of employees, their employer will receive the contribution.
- A daily rate of €100 is payable per day of training, up to a maximum of €500 upon successful completion and certification of the course.
For more information:
Frequently asked questions
Incentivisation Scheme for plumbers to undertake heat pump installation training
1. What benefits does the scheme provide?
The Scheme allows a recently qualified (within the past 5 years) plumber to undertake an SEAI-approved heat pump installation course. Completing the training is the cornerstone of becoming an SEAI-registered heat pump installer, which opens up access to work across the SEAI grant schemes.
The Scheme is not intended to match the income which would have been received for work which would have been carried out. However it does recognise that there is an opportunity cost of lost business whilst completing the training, and gives a sum of money towards covering this cost.
A daily rate of €100 is payable per day of training, up to a maximum of €500 upon successful completion of the course.
2. Who gets the payment?
The incentive is for construction companies with less than 250 employees (including self-employed contractors).
Where the person is a self-employed contractor, they will receive the contribution. Where they are an employee, their employer will receive the contribution.
3. When does the scheme open?
The scheme will be open for applications on Thursday 8 August 2024.
4. I am an employer. What are these courses and are they free?
The courses included in this scheme are SEAI recognised heat pump installation courses, delivered by an ETB (currently provided through Laois and Offaly ETB, Waterford and Wexford ETB and City of Dublin ETB).
Under route 2 of the Skills to Advance initiative, the courses are fully funded for employers.
5. I am an employer. Who can take part in the training?
The scheme is for recently (within the last five years) qualified plumbers to undertake the training courses.
If you are a self-employed plumber you can take part in the training yourself.
If you are an SME employer (less than 250 employees), your employee(s) can take part in the training.
In both cases, the plumbers shall be fully qualified and have received their craft card from SOLAS within the last five years.
6. I am an employer. Where do I apply to?
You can apply using the following details:
7. I am an employer. What information do I have to provide and where do I send it?
You will need to register your employee(s) on the relevant training course. This can be done directly through the ETB.
You will need to provide your bank details. This can be done directly through the ETB.
8. I am an employer. Do I need to do anything else so that my company can install heat pumps?
To carry out work under SEAI grant schemes, it is necessary to register as a Renewable Energy Installer and Registered Contractor. More information can be found here.
9. I am a training provider. What information do I have to provide and where do I send it?
You will need to provide LOETB with the bank account details of the employers who are to receive the payment. This must be provided before the course commences.
You will need to provide LOETB with a list of learners who have completed the relevant training course as soon as possible. The date that this list is received counts as the date of the application.
The information should be sent to:
Fionnuala Kavanagh,
Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board,
Castle Buildings, Tara Street,
Tullamore,
Co. Offaly,
R35 E9K8
10. How long does the scheme run for?
This is a pilot scheme, with funding of €150,000 available, and a maximum payment per individual learner of €500. It is expected that this will allow up to 300 plumbers to complete the five day training course.
The last day that applications can be received by LOETB is 1 December 2024 or whenever the funding is all spent- whichever date is earlier.
