This apprenticeship standard has been approved for delivery by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. However, starts on the apprenticeship will only be possible once a suitable end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) has obtained Ofqual recognition. Once the EPAO has obtained Ofqual recognition, funding for apprentice starts will be permitted and this message will be removed.

Key information

  1. Status: Approved for delivery (paused for starts)
  2. Reference: ST1308
  3. Version: 1.0
  4. Level: 3
  5. Options: Heat network distribution systems specialist, Heat network residential systems specialist
  6. Typical duration to gateway: 36 months
  7. Typical EPA period: 3 months
  8. Maximum funding: £26000
  9. Route: Engineering and manufacturing
  10. Integration: None
  11. Date updated: 25/10/2024
  12. Approved for delivery: 17 October 2024
  13. Lars code: 788
  14. EQA provider: Ofqual is the intended EQA provider
  15. Review: this apprenticeship will be reviewed in accordance with our change request policy.
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Details of the occupational standard

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in the engineering sector and is core to the operation and maintenance of district heat networks. A district heat network is a system which generates and supplies low carbon heat, generated in a centralised location, through a system of insulated pipes to residential and commercial heat customers.

Technicians will be responsible for the operation, planned maintenance and reactive repair of all equipment relevant to the network. This will involve attending customer properties - both residential and commercial, as well as distribution substations and energy centres, generating heat and often electricity. The role can involve working under pressure and to tight time constraints, such as when responding to energy outages where hundreds of people may be temporarily without heat supply. Technicians may also be required to support project improvement and specialist works, for example, acting as the company representative on the ground, controlling and supporting subcontractors.

Technicians will typically specialise in one of two roles with different technologies specific to each:

Residential systems specialist - working in customers' homes to service, maintain and attend breakdowns of the customer heat interface unit, which provides the end customer with their heating and hot water supply.

Distribution systems specialist – working in distribution substations and energy centres to service, maintain and attend breakdowns of the distribution plant responsible for pumping hot water around the network. Typical equipment would include pumps, strainers, heat exchangers, expansion vessels, pressurisation units and control valves. 

Technicians interacts with a wide variety of people. Externally, this includes customers living in their homes and professionals in the commercial spaces supplied with low carbon heat from the network. Local management and concierge teams will also often be present on the various sites, requiring regular communication of major works being undertaken. When in contact with customers district heat technicians represent their company and company values at all times. Internally, they work with, and have support from, fellow technicians in their own and the wider teams within the company. Day to day, when out on site, they often work alone.

Technicians are responsible for completing all operation and maintenance tasks to a high standard, whether planned, corrective or reactive. An accurate, clear and concise record of all works will be required. Technicians typically report directly to a site manager, operations manager or maintenance manager. They are often required to be fully mobile with a vehicle provided by the company.

Typical job titles include:

District heat network maintenance technician Green leaf Plant maintenance engineer Residential engineer

Core occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Inspect, clean and maintain district heating plant equipment

K1 K2 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K26 K27 K28 K32 K34 K35 K36

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S16 S17 S18 S20 S23 S24 S25 S26 S27 S28

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B7 B8

Duty 2 Follow maintenance resource schedules to ensure that all routine tasks are completed

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K26 K27 K28 K31 K32 K34 K35 K36 K37

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S27 S28

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B7 B8

Duty 3 Keep maintenance systems records up to date with detailed, concise records

K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K26 K27 K28 K29 K30 K31 K32 K34 K37

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S15 S16 S18 S19 S20 S21 S23

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B7 B8

Duty 4 Raise issues and problems with defective or poorly functioning plant equipment, including scoping failed components

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K35 K37

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20 S21 S22 S23 S26 S27 S28

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 5 Conduct a root cause analysis for plant failures reported by clients or colleagues and develop a scope of works for plant remediation

K1 K2 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K25 K27 K28 K30 K32 K33 K35 K36 K37

S1 S2 S4 S5 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S16 S17 S18 S20 S26 S27 S28

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 6 Complete breakdown repairs on plant equipment, to restore heat to the customer and or network

K1 K2 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K26 K28 K32 K34 K35

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S16 S18 S20 S23 S25 S26 S27 S28

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B7 B8

Duty 7 Undertake regular inspection and upkeep of vehicles, tools and equipment required to perform the role effectively

K1 K2 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K21 K22 K23 K26 K27 K32 K34 K35 K36

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S10 S25 S26 S28

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B7 B8

Duty 8 Manage site-based project work including the management of approved subcontractors

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K35 K36 K37

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S10 S12 S13 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20 S21 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 S27 S28

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 15 Maintain the work area following safety, environmental and risk management systems. Ensure waste is separated, segregated, and handled in accordance with environmental standards

K3 K4 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K29 K30 K34

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S25 S26

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5

Option duties

Heat network distribution systems specialist duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 13 Complete planned preventative maintenance of distribution systems in energy centres and substations

K38 K39 K40 K41 K42 K43 K44 K45

S29 S30 S31 S32

Duty 14 Diagnose, fault find and repair breakdowns on distribution system plant equipment

K38 K39 K40 K41 K42 K43 K44 K45

S29 S30 S31 S32

Heat network residential systems specialist duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 9 Service and maintain customer heat interface units

K46 K47 K48 K49 K50 K51 K52 K53

S33 S34 S35 S36 S37

Duty 10 Diagnose, fault find and repair breakdowns on customer heat interface units

K46 K47 K48 K49 K50 K51 K52 K53

S33 S34 S35 S36 S37

Duty 11 Undertake basic maintenance activities on tertiary heating systems (radiators, underfloor systems)

K46 K47 K48 K49 K50 K51 K52 K53

S33 S34 S35 S36 S37

Duty 12 Service and maintain customer cooling interface units

K46 K47 K48 K49 K50 K51 K52 K53

S33 S34 S35 S36 S37

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Heat network systems: heat sources, materials and technology, scale and scope of networks, sustainability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Back to Duty

K2: Types of heat networks: local, district and city-wide. Back to Duty

K3: Awareness of legislative, regulatory frameworks and regulators: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, The Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE), Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM), Energy Ombudsman, Heat Networks (Scotland) Act, Heat Networks (Metering and Billing) Regulations. Back to Duty

K4: Awareness of codes of conduct and technical standards: The Heat Trust, Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) CP1.2, Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Manufacturers of Equipment for Heat Networks Association. Back to Duty

K5: Planning, organising and time management techniques. Back to Duty

K6: Awareness of health and safety regulations and the impact on role: Health and Safety at Work Act, Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, Electrical regulations, Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR), Construction Design Management Regulations (CDM), working at height, confined spaces and lone working. Back to Duty

K7: Awareness of environmental and sustainability regulations and requirements: Environmental Protection Act, Pollution Prevention and Control Act, Clean Air Act, Radioactive Substances Act, Controlled Waste Regulations, Controls on Dangerous Substances and Preparations Regulations. Efficient use of resources. Recycling, reuse and safe disposal of waste. Back to Duty

K8: Hazard identification techniques, control measures, risk assessment method statements (RAMs), risk management and the recording and reporting of incidents and accidents. Back to Duty

K9: Environmental management and environmental management systems: ISO 14000, ISO 14004, ISO 14001. Back to Duty

K10: Site management: work area preparation and maintenance techniques. Back to Duty

K11: Awareness of principles of climate change, including causes and environmental impact and contribution of heat network industry to achieving carbon budgets and net zero. Back to Duty

K12: Maintenance practices: planned, preventative, predictive and reactive methods. Maintenance techniques and standards, statutory inspection and industry standard SFG20. Back to Duty

K13: Principles of asset management, maintenance systems and asset tagging. Back to Duty

K14: Thermodynamics in heat networks: units of measurement, formulae including Q = mcΔT, properties of materials, relationship between energy, heat and power. Back to Duty

K15: Principles of fluid dynamics in heat networks: units of measurement, formulae including Q = V/t and p=ρgh and hydrodynamics, and how they impact pressure, operational pressures, differential pressure and heat network efficiency issues. Back to Duty

K16: Flow, pressure and temperature measurement techniques, portable measurement instruments, static pressure and differential pressure reading. Back to Duty

K17: Electrical installation techniques and principles: circuit theory, capacitance in DC circuits, magnetism, single-phase alternating current (AC) theory, 3 phase wiring, hazards of electricity, safe isolation of circuits, testing for live or dead and minor works certification. Back to Duty

K18: Engineering representations: design principles, piping and instrumentation diagrams, single-line electrical diagrams, control panel schematics, circuit and network diagrams. Back to Duty

K19: Industrial plant and process control systems: characteristics, modes of control, tuning methods, hierarchical and advanced process control systems. Back to Duty

K20: Water quality: the impact of poor water quality on heat networks, scale, corrosion, fouling and microbiology. Open and closed systems, chemical and chemical free systems, industry body and standard. Back to Duty

K21: Water network system maintenance techniques: cleaning of strainer baskets and water sampling. Back to Duty

K22: Pipe work: types and pipework common issues, riser and lateral pipework, stainless steel, carbon steel, barrel, plastic and copper pipe. Back to Duty

K23: Pipe working techniques: repair and replacement, safe isolation, drain down and refill. Back to Duty

K24: Documentation: methods and requirements - electronic and paper. Back to Duty

K25: Problem solving techniques: diagnostics, root cause analysis, DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control), PDCA (Plan Do Check Act), 5 Whys’, Fishbone and Ishikawa. Back to Duty

K26: Quality assurance requirements and monitoring processes. Back to Duty

K27: Remote diagnostic techniques and supply system crossover impact: monitoring and test equipment, use and interpretation of results of fixed monitoring equipment for on and offline monitoring including continuous and semi-continuous data recording, flow rates, temperatures and distribution system. Back to Duty

K28: Continuous improvement techniques: lean, 6-sigma, KAIZEN, 5 S (Sort, set, shine, standardise and sustain). Back to Duty

K29: Team working principles. Back to Duty

K30: Equity, diversity and inclusion requirements in the workplace. Back to Duty

K31: Written communication techniques. Plain English principles. Engineering terminology. Report writing. Back to Duty

K32: End to end process through a heat network upon a customer demanding heat (hot water or heating) within a property with indirect HIU (Heat Interface Unit). Back to Duty

K33: Verbal communication techniques. Giving and receiving information. Matching style to audience. Back to Duty

K34: Tools and equipment used in district heat system maintenance. Requirements for cleaning, storage, care, and operational checks. Back to Duty

K35: Visual inspection techniques. Back to Duty

K36: Fault finding techniques. Back to Duty

K37: Information technology: Management Information Systems (MIS), spreadsheets, presentation, word processing, email, virtual communication and learning platforms. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Cyber security. Back to Duty

K38: Planned and unplanned maintenance techniques: servicing, repair and replacement. Back to Duty

K39: Distribution plant equipment: pumps, inverters, motors, fans, strainers, thermal stores, expansion and vibration bellows and plant heat exchangers. Back to Duty

K40: Pressurisation plant equipment: pressurisation unit, expansion vessel, fill and spill unit, break tank and Automatic Air Vents (AAVs). Back to Duty

K41: Water treatment plant equipment: de-gasser, chemical dosing pot, chemical auto dosing equipment, dirt air separator and water softener. Back to Duty

K42: Valves and associated actuators: including Pressure Independent Control Valve (PICV), Differential Pressure Control Valve (DPCV), Non-Return Valve (NRV) temperature and pressure release valve (PRV), three port valves and isolation valves. Back to Duty

K43: Building Management System (BMS) remote plant operation techniques: fault reset, heat generation asset commercial gas boilers, pumps, valves and pressurisation units. Back to Duty

K44: Plant equipment control panels and local operation techniques: pumps and heat source. Back to Duty

K45: E-Stops and safety circuits: operation and return to normal service techniques. Back to Duty

K46: Planned and unplanned maintenance techniques: servicing, repair and replacement. Back to Duty

K47: Heat Interface Unit (HIU): single plate (direct or indirect heating system), twin Plate, electrical and mechanical. Cooling Interface Unit (CIU), Hot Water Cylinders and Fan Coil Units (FCU). Back to Duty

K48: Tertiary system assets: radiator, Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs), heating control units, under floor heating systems, automatic air valves, lock shield, dynamic balancing valve, Direct Hot Water (DWH) systems and trace heating. Back to Duty

K49: Tertiary system wiring, controls and metering: pre and post pay systems, 2 and 3 port (S and Y plan), valves, programmers, thermostats, heating circuit pumps, heating circuit and zone control. Back to Duty

K50: Applied calculation techniques: HIU energy balance and efficient operation. Back to Duty

K51: Balancing and flow optimisation techniques: radiators and underfloor heating. Back to Duty

K52: Residential heat meters: removal and installation techniques, network communication and configuration. Back to Duty

K53: Electrical, mechanical Heat Interface Unit (HIU) and space heating circuit commissioning techniques. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Plan and organise tasks including the selection and organisation of resources. Back to Duty

S2: Comply with health and safety regulations and guidance. Back to Duty

S3: Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations and requirements, including safe disposal of waste, re-cycling or re-use of materials, and efficient use of resources. Back to Duty

S4: Identify and document hazards and risks in the workplace and apply control measures. Back to Duty

S5: Prepare and maintain the work area. Back to Duty

S6: Apply maintenance practices and standards. Back to Duty

S7: Conduct thermodynamic calculations. Back to Duty

S8: Complete calculations for cold fill pressure of building and differential pressure across pump. Back to Duty

S9: Conduct flow, pressure and temperature measurements using portable instrumentation, including static pressure and differential pressure reading. Back to Duty

S10: Test electrical system for live and dead. Back to Duty

S11: Install and certify electrical wiring to three phase pump. Back to Duty

S12: Interpret and use engineering representations. Back to Duty

S13: Maintain water network systems, for example cleaning of strainer baskets and heat network water sampling ready for analysis. Back to Duty

S14: Repair or replace pipework. Back to Duty

S15: Record or enter information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, job sheets and task list, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturer's documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists and waste environmental records. Back to Duty

S16: Apply quality assurance procedures and monitoring processes. Back to Duty

S17: Perform remote performance diagnostics. Back to Duty

S18: Apply continuous improvement techniques. Devise suggestions for improvement. Back to Duty

S19: Apply team working principles. Back to Duty

S20: Apply ethical principles. Back to Duty

S21: Communicate in writing. For example, with colleagues and stakeholders. Back to Duty

S22: Communicate with others verbally, for example, colleagues and stakeholders. Back to Duty

S23: Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies. Back to Duty

S24: Carry out and record planned and unplanned learning and development activities. Back to Duty

S25: Check tools and equipment including calibration. Use and store tools and equipment. Back to Duty

S26: Conduct visual inspection. Back to Duty

S27: Apply problem solving techniques. Back to Duty

S28: Apply fault finding techniques. Back to Duty

S29: Perform maintenance on distribution plant equipment. Back to Duty

S30: Operate plant equipment remotely through BMS using remote plant operation techniques, including switch duty of a duty standby pump, change lead heat source and valve operation. Back to Duty

S31: Operate plant equipment locally from control panel, including pump and heat source. Back to Duty

S32: Operate e-stop and safety circuits on equipment and return plant to normal service, including fire alarm re-activation. Back to Duty

S33: Perform maintenance on residential heat network systems. Back to Duty

S34: Conduct HIU energy balance and efficient operations calculations. Back to Duty

S35: Apply balancing and flow optimisation techniques. Back to Duty

S36: Apply techniques to remove, install, configure and set network communications for residential heat meters. Back to Duty

S37: Perform commissioning of electrical HIU and mechanical HIU and a space heating circuit. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Prioritise health and safety. Back to Duty

B2: Consider the impact on the environment when using resources and carrying out work. Back to Duty

B3: Take responsibility for the quality of their own work. Back to Duty

B4: Act professionally. Back to Duty

B5: Act ethically. Back to Duty

B6: Support an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture. Back to Duty

B7: Committed to continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice. Back to Duty

B8: Respond and adapt to work demands and situations. Back to Duty

Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Professional recognition

This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

  • Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
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