HEAT PUMPS
Upskilling the installer
T Olivia Downing
'As an industry, we have a shared
responsibility to lower
barriers, raise standards and equip installers with the skills they need. The technology is ready. The demand is growing. Now it’s about ensuring the people delivering it are supported every step of the way.'
he UK’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050 has placed low-carbon heating technologies fi rmly in the spotlight. Heat pumps are widely recognised as one of
the most eff ective ways to decarbonise homes and buildings, but technology alone isn’t enough. Reaching national installation targets depends on a skilled, confi dent workforce to deliver this transition at scale.
Installers sit at the heart of this challenge. They are the ones designing, fi tting, commissioning and explaining these systems to end users. Yet, while demand for heat pumps continues to rise, the supply of qualifi ed installers isn’t keeping pace. This skills gap is one of the most pressing issues facing the heating sector today. Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has set ambitious targets as part of the UK’s decarbonisation strategy. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides homeowners with fi nancial incentives, but without enough trained professionals, these ambitions will be diffi cult to deliver.
For installers, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. Those who upskill now will not only future-proof their businesses but also play a crucial role in the UK’s net zero journey. The low-carbon heating sector is expected to expand rapidly over the coming decade, and the demand for skilled labour will grow with it. Regulation is evolving just as quickly as the technology
itself. F-gas legislation, which governs the use of fl uorinated greenhouse gases in heating and cooling systems, is set to tighten further in the years ahead. Proposed changes, including restrictions on certain refrigerants and stricter handling requirements, will directly aff ect how heat pumps are installed, maintained and serviced. For installers, this means training can’t just focus on the technical mechanics of a heat pump. It must also address environmental compliance, safe refrigerant handling and the ability to adapt to future legislative shifts. F-gas considerations are not a niche topic; they are central to responsible installation practices. The Microgeneration Certifi cation Scheme (MCS) has become synonymous with quality in low-carbon heating. Certifi cation is increasingly seen as a baseline requirement both to participate in government-backed schemes and to build trust with homeowners.
22 December 2025 •
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Olivia Downing, head of marketing at Nibe, looks at building a low-carbon workforce fi t for the future.
For installers new to the sector, achieving MCS accreditation can feel like a big step, but it plays a vital role in setting and maintaining standards. MCS isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about ensuring systems are designed and installed to deliver on their carbon-saving potential. High-quality installations protect the reputation of the entire industry, as well as the end user experience.
One of the biggest hurdles for experienced heating engineers and HVAC professionals is fi nding practical, accessible training routes into low-carbon heating. Many are eager to upskill but face real-world barriers: time away from work, cost and the fear of stepping into unfamiliar technology. For the transition to succeed, we need to make training
more approachable. That means shorter, modular learning options; hands-on practical experience; and content that bridges existing skill sets with new low-carbon competencies. The aim should be to meet installers where they are, not expect them to overhaul their careers overnight.
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