JIB announces additional course funding and support to onboard apprentices 

24 July 26

In July 2026, the JIB Skills Development Fund trustees approved additional financial support for career development and apprentice training. 

Heat pump qualification 

Up to 75% of the course fees (to a limit of £750) is now available for eligible applicants undertaking the EAL Level 3 Award in ‘Design, Installation and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pump Systems (Non-refrigerant Circuits) 610/7301/5’ qualification. 

This award provides plumbing and heating engineers, working with fossil fuels, the necessary training to gain additional competence in the installation of heat pumps. It enables these experienced operatives to upskill and transfer their knowledge and experience into the Building Services Engineering (BSE) renewable sector.
 
Heat pumps are vital in the drive towards a clean economy, as they create warmth for buildings using far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional heating systems. 

JIB apprenticeship grant 

The JIB also approved an apprenticeship grant to be funded through the Skills Development Fund. Companies new to the JIB – and existing members who have not employed an apprentice in the past 5 years – can apply for £500 when taking on an apprentice.

The initiative has been developed to assist with costs associated with taking on and developing new entrants to the electrotechnical industry. The JIB is committed to supporting employers that invest in apprenticeship training. 

You can find more details on the support available through the JIB Skills Development Fund here.