Derby College and Vaillants first ever cohort of Low Carbon Technician Apprentices
The College has been named a finalist in the Next Generation Learning and Skills category for its Equine Carbon Calculator, and in the Tomorrow’s Employees category for delivering the UK’s first Low Carbon Heating Technician apprenticeship in partnership with Vaillant.
UK’s First Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship Recognised
As the UK works towards its Net Zero targets, more than 30 million homes and businesses will need to decarbonise their heating systems.
The government has set a target of installing 600,000 heat pumps each year by 2028, but a shortage of skilled workers remains a major challenge.
In 2023, there were around 4,500 qualified heat pump engineers nationwide, despite estimates suggesting more than 50,000 will be needed by 2030.
To help address this skills gap, Derby College Group partnered with Vaillant to launch the UK’s first Low Carbon Heating Technician apprenticeship.
The programme is one of six new Royal Apprenticeships created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Since its launch in 2023, 22 apprentices have enrolled on the programme, with DCG now accounting for more than one fifth of all Low Carbon Heating Technician apprentices in England.
A key feature of the apprenticeship is its bespoke paid foundation year, which is unusual for a programme of this kind.
During the foundation year, apprentices achieve a Level 2 plumbing qualification while also developing skills in brickwork, plastering and electrics.
This broader training enables graduates to undertake complete installation and retrofit projects rather than installing heat pumps alone.
Vaillant has also invested in a dedicated low carbon heating training facility at the College. The facility is used by all plumbing students and supports apprenticeships across other areas, including business administration, mechatronics maintenance engineering and manufacturing.
Equine Carbon Calculator Driving Sustainability Across the Equestrian Sector
Equine students at our Equestrian Centre, where the Equine Carbon Calculator is utilised
The second shortlisted project, the Equine Carbon Calculator, is a free online tool developed by Derby College Group alongside Hartpury College, Sparsholt College Group and White Griffin.
Adapted from the established Farm Carbon Toolkit, the calculator helps equestrian yards, riding schools, event venues, colleges and universities measure, monitor and reduce their carbon footprint.
Since launching in March 2024, the tool has attracted 3,600 visitors, with 500 users creating accounts to measure their yard’s environmental impact. This represents a take-up rate of more than 63% among those who engage with the platform.
Organisations including the British Horse Society, Derby College and Hartpury University now have three years of activity data available, allowing them to monitor emissions and carbon sequestration over time.
The calculator has been recognised by HRH The Princess Royal at the National Equine Forum and by the British Horse Council. It is also being explored for wider adoption across Europe and Asia.
Beyond its impact on the equestrian sector, the project has encouraged sustainability discussions across Derby College Group, including within engineering, motor vehicle, food technology and agriculture departments.
It also supports the development of digital, English, maths and green skills among students and the wider community.
A Message from Derby College Group
Jon Collins, Vice Principal at Derby College Group, said:
“To be named a finalist in two categories at this year’s Green Gown Awards is a fantastic reflection of the ambition and creativity of our staff, students and industry partners.
“From training the country’s first Low Carbon Heating Technicians with Vaillant, to helping the equestrian sector measure and reduce its carbon footprint through the Equine Carbon Calculator, both of these projects show what’s possible when we combine practical skills with a genuine commitment to sustainability.
“Congratulations to everyone involved, and good luck to them at the awards.”
About the Green Gown Awards
The Green Gown Awards UK & Ireland are run in partnership with the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) and are widely regarded as the leading sustainability awards for the further and higher education sector.
Winners will be announced later this year.
