The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) has voiced its support for the environmentally-focused trade qualifications offered by the City & Guilds.

APHC has said that the organisation’s Environmental Technology qualifications will provide trainee technicians and people with years of experience with the environmental knowledge that is likely to become a crucial part of the government’s Green Deal scheme.

APHC chief executive, John Thompson, said that the training programmes offer a broad knowledge of areas including solar photovoltaic, solar thermal hot water systems, heat pumps and water recycling.

“There is still quite a great deal of confusion amongst installers about the qualifications needed to cover the installation of new environmental technologies,” he said. “The City & Guilds 2399 qualification is a good starting point for those who do not yet have any experience in environmental technologies or for those who have some experience but want to learn about a particular technology.”

Able Skills is an approved centre for the City & Guild courses. Matt Lardi, the lead portfolio manager at City & Guilds added, “With all the discussion on the Green Deal and the qualifications needed to become a part of the scheme, we are pleased to be able to offer a full range of qualifications to up-skill learners of all stages with the tools to compete in the Green Deal scheme.”