MCS Umbrella Scheme

The MCS Umbrella Scheme provides a structured framework for contractors and engineers to participate in renewable energy installations while working under an MCS-certified contractor. Clima-Tech is proud to offer this service to support the growing demand for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector, specifically in heat pump installations and solar energy systems.

What is the MCS Umbrella Scheme?

The MCS Umbrella Scheme allows certified contractors to subcontract parts of the installation process while retaining responsibility for the design, commissioning, and compliance of the entire system. This arrangement ensures that installations meet MCS standards, which are essential for quality assurance in the UK’s renewable energy market.

In practice, this means that a certified contractor, such as Clima-Tech, can oversee the project while subcontractors carry out specific parts of the installation. The scheme provides a critical opportunity for businesses looking to gain experience in renewable energy without immediately needing full MCS certification themselves.

How Does the MCS Umbrella Scheme Work?

The umbrella scheme is designed to maintain high standards for installations while allowing flexibility for smaller contractors or engineers to contribute to projects in a supervised and structured way.

 Under this model, Clima-Tech:

  • Takes responsibility for the design and commissioning of renewable energy systems, such as heat pumps and solar panels.
  • Oversees the installation process to ensure it complies with MCS standards.
  • Subcontract elements of the installation to qualified engineers or businesses that do not yet have MCS certification.

This structure ensures that installations meet the high-quality standards set by MCS while allowing subcontractors to gain valuable experience in the sector.

Who Can Benefit from the MCS Umbrella Scheme?

The MCS Umbrella Scheme is ideal for several types of professionals and businesses:

  • Subcontractors and Engineers: If you are a subcontractor or engineer interested in working in the renewable energy sector, the MCS Umbrella Scheme offers a way to gain practical experience in MCS-certified projects. By working with an MCS-certified contractor like Clima-Tech, you can contribute to the installation of renewable energy systems, while ensuring your work meets the necessary standards.
  • Businesses New to the Renewable Sector: If your business is transitioning into renewable energy and you are not yet MCS-certified, the umbrella scheme allows you to work under the supervision of a certified contractor. This experience can help you understand the standards and processes required to achieve MCS certification in the future.
  • Established Contractors: Even for contractors who already have experience in conventional heating or electrical systems, the MCS Umbrella Scheme provides a way to expand your service offering into renewable technologies like heat pumps and solar PV without the immediate need to obtain full MCS certification.

 

If you are considering working under the MCS Umbrella Scheme, there are several important factors to keep in mind:

 

  1. MCS Certification: The contractor you work with under the umbrella scheme must be MCS-certified. This ensures that the work is carried out to the required standard and that installations are eligible for financial incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or government grants.

  2. Compliance and Responsibility: While you will be performing parts of the installation, the MCS-certified contractor remains responsible for ensuring that the project meets MCS standards. This means the contractor will oversee the work and ensure compliance with all regulations.

  3. Training and Experience: Working through an MCS Umbrella Scheme is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the installation of renewable energy systems. Contractors like Clima-Tech may also offer additional training or guidance to ensure that subcontractors are fully equipped to meet the necessary technical standards.

  4. Future Certification: For businesses or individuals who plan to pursue their own MCS certification, working within an umbrella scheme can provide invaluable experience. Understanding the standards and processes involved in an MCS-certified project will make the path to your own certification much smoother.

Why Choose Clima-Tech for MCS Umbrella Scheme Services?

At Clima-Tech, we are committed to supporting the growth of renewable energy in the UK by offering professional and compliant installation services. Our experience in HVAC and renewable energy installations ensures that all projects under our MCS Umbrella Scheme are carried out to the highest standards. 

We provide:

  • Clear oversight and management of every project.
  • Ongoing technical support and guidance for subcontractors.
  • Full compliance with MCS standards, ensuring the quality of each installation.

For more information about the MCS Umbrella Scheme and how it can benefit your business, please contact our team at 01473 798321 or by email at ashley@clima-techservices.co.uk.

Benefits of the MCS Umbrella Scheme

The MCS Umbrella Scheme is a beneficial model for the renewable energy sector, as it allows for the growth of skilled workers and businesses in the industry. Some key benefits include:

  • Widening Access to the Sector: By allowing subcontractors to work on MCS-certified projects, the scheme helps more businesses and engineers gain experience in renewable energy installations. This is particularly valuable for those transitioning from traditional fossil fuel-based systems to renewable technologies like heat pumps and solar panels.
  • Quality Assurance: The umbrella scheme ensures that all installations meet MCS standards, maintaining quality and consistency across projects. This gives customers confidence that their system will perform effectively and that it adheres to the necessary regulations.
  • Pathway to Certification: For subcontractors or businesses aiming to achieve their own MCS certification, working under the umbrella scheme offers a clear path toward understanding and complying with MCS requirements. Over time, this experience can help them build the skills and knowledge needed to become certified themselves.