AIR CONDITIONING
fi rms with one to nine employees face practical pressures that make training more diffi cult, such as taking staff away from the tools and reducing immediate capacity. Conversely, mid-sized fi rms with 10 to 49 employees show some of the strongest training levels, with more than 60% already completed heat pump training. Larger fi rms with more than 100 employees show a similarly strong commitment, with training levels above 70%. Regionally, there is also variation in training. Wales, Scotland and the East Midlands record some of the highest levels of completed heat pump training. In these areas, more than half of the workforce, and in some cases more than 75%, have already upskilled. Other areas, such as Northern Ireland, show moderate capability at present, but a strong intent to train within the next twelve months. These diff erences matter because heat pump deployment is shaped by local workforce capacity. Regions with ready- trained engineers will be better placed to respond as demand increases. In contrast, areas with limited capacity may experience slower project turnaround, which can infl uence customer experience and the practical pace of decarbonisation.
Future workforce pressures Taking the Temperature also examined whether the sector believes there are enough new people entering the workforce to support long-term heat pump growth. Apprenticeships sit at the centre of this challenge, and our research shows that installers recognise their importance. The majority, around 78%, say apprenticeships are essential to the future of the industry. However, the likelihood of employing apprentices varies
signifi cantly by business size. Nearly 80% of companies with up to 49 employees take on apprentices, which shows a strong cultural commitment among small and mid-sized fi rms. By contrast, only 29% of sole traders employ apprentices. While the Autumn 2025 Budget could aff ect the appetite
for apprenticeships – smaller businesses could benefi t from fully funded under-25 apprenticeships for SMEs, while larger employers face may higher costs due to wage increases and changes to levy funding – a steady stream of apprentices entering the sector is critical.
The engineers who will install, design and commission heat pumps in the next decade are the apprentices entering the workforce today. If the apprenticeship pipeline weakens, fi rms may fi nd themselves competing for a smaller pool of qualifi ed labour at the very point when demand for low-carbon systems is likely to increase further. For heating engineering fi rms, protecting this pipeline is not a nice-to-have, but a direct investment in future operational capacity.
Digital tools and project effi ciency As part of the research, operational capacity was also examined in the use of digital tools to reduce administration and planning and maximise effi ciency. Almost all installers reported losing signifi cant time each week to non-billable tasks. On average, they spend over 25 hours per week preparing estimates, managing paperwork, marketing their business or answering customer queries - and that’s before the three plus hours spent sourcing and collecting
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products and materials. For heat pump projects, which involve more design steps than traditional systems, the operational strain only increases. This time pressure helps explain the high levels of interest and usage of digital platforms that streamline renewables planning and administration. While digital adoption was strongest among fi rms with 10-49 employees, usage was widespread, with most fi rms recognising the potential commercial value of such services through more effi cient installations and fewer repeat visits due to incorrect component selection. For growing businesses, using digital tools isn’t just an operational improvement, it’s a way to increase capacity without adding headcount.
2026 and beyond Our research fi ndings show a sector that is heading in the right direction but still managing several pressures. Firms that want to expand their heat pump businesses in 2026 will need to plan around these realities and potential challenges. Investing steadily in training, taking on apprentices and using digital tools to improve speed and accuracy will be key. Likewise, choosing supply partners that can provide reliable access to stock, strong technical support and training routes that refl ect the complexities of low-carbon system design will be essential. To this end, City Plumbing is committed to supporting that
transition, with investment in renewables training, delivered through national centres of excellence and mobile training rigs, and expanding access to accredited and subsidised courses. Heat pump growth may not always be smooth, but the
direction is clear, and the opportunity is signifi cant. With the right planning and investment, fi rms of every size can strengthen their capability, reduce operational pressure and build a more resilient and commercially successful heat pump off ering for the years ahead.
www.acr-news.com • February 2026 17
'As momentum continues to build, the businesses that succeed in 2026 will be those that invest in capability, plan for workforce change and adopt tools that support accurate delivery at scale.'
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