BRIDGING THE GAP Where are the gaps? N


Griff Thomas from GTEC examines some of the challenges facing the heating industry—from the shortage of heat pump engineers to the gap between qualified and active installers— exploring how these issues can be addressed through innovative and flexible training that draws on expertise from across the supply chain and related industries


et zero and the need to decarbonise and upgrade UK homes provides great opportunities for building services engineers. But with such ambitious targets on the


table and a growing skills shortage, we need a robust and co-ordinated approach to workforce development – one that removes barriers and bridges gaps in the installer journey.


Where are we now and where do we need to be?


As I write, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has just published its 7th Carbon Budget which recommends half of the UK’s 30 million homes should be heated with heat pumps by 2040, compared to 250,000 as of August 2024. Current installation figures are around 60,000 per year. However, to meet CCC recommendations, this number would need to rise to 450,000 annually by 2030 and 1.5 million by 2035—roughly in-line with the figures outlined by the Heat Pump Association (HPA) in its recent workforce projection. To deliver low carbon heating at this scale, we need to upskill more heating engineers to install heat pumps – 16,373 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers by 2028 according to the HPA, which they estimate to be more than 22,000 trained and active individuals. ‘Active’ being the key word here, as the HPA report interestingly identified a gap between those completing heat pump training and those entering the workforce, with a drop out rate of 39%. By drawing on expertise from across the industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, and training providers, we can create a more robust and sustainable skills pipeline that meet the need of both installers and the sector.


Building the foundation


Training must be developed from the ground up to create a workforce with the skills and capability to meet net zero. Gas engineers working in domestic/residential settings will become the multi-skilled low carbon heating installers we need to deliver net zero. The industry must nurture new entrants and deliver the core principles of heating design and installation, initially in gas and low temperature heating – central to new energy efficiency standards and good practice, whatever the fuel. The upskill to heat pumps comes later.


Investment in workforce training has declined steadily over the past decade, but recent apprenticeship reforms, introduced to increase accessibility and flexibility, are a step in the right direction. These changes aim to offer shorter, more adaptable apprenticeship programmes that better accommodate both learners and employers.


Communicating the benefits of a career in the heating industry to new entrants is critical, but we must make sure the training models are there to support them, whatever stage of life they are at. Careers changers are particularly important – those who bring skills and knowledge from related sectors will be critical to delivering the kind of innovative ideas and approaches we need to tackle net zero.


Closing the gap between training and installation


The challenge of transitioning the existing workforce towards low-carbon heating solutions requires fresh thinking and inventive solutions. With over 150,000 gas engineers currently active in the UK, there is a strong foundation to build upon. However, ensuring these professionals receive the right training and, crucially, go on to apply their skills in real-world installations remains a pressing issue. To close this gap, the heating industry must champion innovative approaches, from incorporating the latest technological developments, creative teaching methods and industry


A collaborative eco-system


One of the most effective ways to modernise training is by forging strong industry partnerships between all areas of the supply chain - merchants, manufacturers, trade associations and training providers – to ensure training outcomes equip installers with the confidence and skills required to excel in the real-world. For instance, merchant-based training models make learning more accessible by bringing courses directly to installers. By integrating training facilities within supply chains, merchants can provide installers with hands-on experience using the latest products, making the transition to low-carbon technology smoother. Similarly, working with roofing specialists to integrate solar PV training addresses the growing demand for whole-home energy solutions while targeting the existing skills base. These partnerships create a structured pathway from learning to employment, ensuring that newly trained individuals remain engaged in the industry and actively apply their skills.


Immersive learning


Traditional classroom-based learning often falls short in preparing installers for the complexities of real-world installation. Immersive training environments bridge this gap by allowing learners to engage directly with the systems they will encounter in the field. Full-scale installations, test rigs and purpose-built assessment spaces that replicate real domestic settings provide engineers with the opportunity to install and troubleshoot heat pumps in lifelike scenarios, boosting their confidence and competence. Digital learning tools also enable flexible course delivery, allowing engineers to balance upskilling with their existing workloads. Virtual training modules, combined with in-person assessments, create an adaptable learning experience that caters to a broad range of learners, from career changers to experienced professionals. Combining strong practical experience with digital support can significantly reduce the drop-out rate, bridging the gap between qualification and installation and equipping trainees with the confidence to take on real- world installations from day one.


Regional delivery


Purpose-built assessment rigs tailored to regional net-zero strategies ensure that training is relevant to specific market needs, creating a workforce that is skilled and job-ready. When Jersey set out its ambitious plan to install heat pumps in every home by 2026, we partnered with local training provider, Highland College, to upskill the workforce. Installing bespoke ASHP training and assessment rigs, we embedded advanced technology in Highland College’s training schemes, ensuring the local workforce is well-prepared for the future.


Stronger together


By combining industry leading expertise from across the sector with a strategic and forward- thinking approach to course delivery – from in-merchant facilities to life-size training rigs – we can enhance learning outcomes for all candidates and bridge the gap between qualification and installation. If installers can access practical training and support when and where needed, they can confidently enter the market and make a valuable contribution right from the start.


26 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER APRIL 2025


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