BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
New BCIT microcredential program addresses urgent need for heat pump installation in BC

With heatwaves and cold snaps becoming increasingly frequent in Canada, British Columbians are using more electricity than ever to maintain a comfortable temperature in their homes. According to Statistics Canada, one in seven Canadian are living in unsafe or uncomfortable temperatures due to rising energy bills -increasing the risk of climate-related morbidity and even death. 

In response to the sky rocketing demand for energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions, the BCIT School of Construction and the Environment collaborated with the Thermal Environmental Comfort Association (TECA) and Home Performance Stakeholder Council (HPSC) to launch the Residential Air to Air Heat Pump Specialist microcredential program, aimed at upskilling existing tradespeople to install heat pumps in residential homes.   

Why heat pumps 

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to other home heating systems and provide heating and cooling in one system. They are 300% more efficient than electric baseboard heaters and 50% more efficient for cooling compared to a typical window air conditioning unit (BC Hydro). With energy affordability being a huge barrier to accessing safe temperatures in homes, the demand for quality heat pump installations is higher than ever. The BCIT Residential Air to Air Heat Pump Specialist microcredential program is helping grow the number of tradespeople able to design and install heat pump heating and cooling systems. 

"The HPSC is dedicated to supporting the growth of the home performance industry in British Columbia. As part of our mission to increase the supply and demand of qualified home performance service providers, we identified the urgent need for more heat pump installations in single-family homes across the province. We are thrilled to be partnering with TECA and BCIT on this project." says Jovan Cheema, the Managing Director of the HPSC. 

 The part-time program is specifically tailored for individuals with an existing trade qualification such as plumbers, gasfitters, sheet metal mechanics, and electricians. Graduates will be qualified to install any heat pump systems excluded from the BC Safety Act. "The Residential Air to Air Heat Pump Specialist microcredential is designed to train individuals with existing trade qualifications such as plumbers, gasfitters, and sheet metal workers on the design and installation of heat pump systems in part 9 buildings. This microcredential combines refrigeration theory, system selection and design, best practices for all aspects of an installation and in-lab training to learn the physical competencies required to safely install modern residential heat pump systems that perform to their maximum potential." explains Gary Milligan, the past President of TECA. 

Be part of the solution: Energy affordability 

With extreme temperatures on the rise, there is an increasing urgency to provide British Columbians adequate heating and cooling systems for a safe living environment.  

The new BCIT Residential Air to Air Heat Pump Specialist microcredential program equips participants with applied knowledge and skills necessary for designing and installing high-efficiency heat pump systems in residential buildings. Through five courses, program participants will learn from a team of industry instructors, engage in practical heat pump design and installation learning activities, and incorporate emerging best practices and design considerations.    

Get more information about the Residential Air to Air Heat Pump Specialist microcredential program.