STHW Solar Thermal Hot Water Adult Employer Training

Course information

This course is designed for plumbing and heating engineers to provide the necessary skills for the design, installation, testing, commissioning, handover, servicing and fault finding of solar thermal hot water systems in accordance with the latest NOS/QCF criteria and MCS scheme requirements.

What You Will Learn

This course will provide candidates with knowledge and understanding in the following areas;

• background of Heat Pump Systems
• drivers and barriers
• an introduction to Air Source Heat Pump Systems
• principals of operation and components
• associated regulations
• health and safety
• system design
• heat sink circuits
• collector circuits
• Air Source Heat Pump installation, testing, commissioning, maintenance and fault diagnosis and repair.

Entry Requirements

A recognised competence in a conventional fuel i.e. gas, oil or solid fuel or;

• A relevant plumbing qualification such as an NVQ level 2 or equivalent experience
• A certificate of competence for the installation of unvented hot water systems
• A WRAS or WRUK approved Water Regulations qualification
• An Energy Efficiency qualification

Work Experience

Fundamental working principles • Health & Safety risks and safe systems of work • Purpose and operational characteristics of solar thermal hot water system components • Preparatory work required for heat pump installations • Requirements for connecting collector circuits to combination boiler domestic hot water circuits • Planning, preparation, testing, commissioning and handover requirements for the installations of ‘active’ solar thermal hot water systems • Requirements for routine service and maintenance

Assessment

• Theory exams
• Practical assessment

Progression

Heat pumps

Cornwall College Camborne

Cornwall College Camborne

Our Camborne campus has served as a vocational training hub for nearly a century. The iconic Tamar tower and the ‘big top’ that covers our construction and engineering provision, are landmarks known throughout the area. This legacy, combined with an exciting modernisation programme, has made Cornwall College Camborne the home of cutting edge facilities, dynamic learning experiences and fantastic student spaces. Open and modern learning areas, electric vehicle training labs, esports gaming facilities, chill out areas, an award-winning restaurant and plenty more besides, makes this the perfect place to have your college experience.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

Find out more about our Camborne campus

Course Code 20236-CAM-25, 20237-CAM-25, 20238-CAM-25, 20239-CAM-25, 20240-CAM-25, 20241-CAM-25

Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.

Events

Open Event Taster Event

Cornwall College Camborne

Open Event at Camborne Campus

• 12 Feb 2026
• 9 May 2026