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Charlotte Lee, chief executive of the Heat Pump Association (HPA) discusses empowering the next generation of heat pump installers


A


s we enter a more sustainable future of heating our homes and businesses, the demand for low carbon heating options is


expanding quickly. Heat pumps are set to be central to the Government’s Net Zero strategy due to their efficiency and market potential. However, to fully harness the potential of heat pumps, we need a skilled, qualified and active workforce. To achieve this, we must promote training pathways and exciting job opportunities while preparing for a seamless shift to a low carbon future.


The current landscape


Currently, it is difficult to know how many qualified heat pump installers we have in the UK as we certify businesses rather than individuals. However, there are approximately 1,500 Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified heat pump installation businesses in the UK, each mandated to employ at least one qualified installer, with some employing more. The Government assumes three qualified individuals for every certified business, estimate a total of 4,500. However, anecdotal evidence from heat pump


training Awarding Organisations and Certification Scheme Owners, suggest that over 4,500 individuals have undertaken heat pump installation training. This highlights the interest in training, but raises questions about individuals utilising their skills. The HPA is currently looking to gather data to assess the gap’s scale and its underlying cause. To reach the Government’s ambition of installing 600,000 heat pumps annually, we estimate the need for around 33,500 qualified installers. Encouragingly, there is an abundance of high-quality heat pump training capacity, within our membership, there is the potential to train around 40,000 installers annually.


Closing the skills gap: A shared responsibility


Addressing our industry’s skills gap requires


collective effort. While governments, educational institutions, and industry associations play pivotal roles, true change emerges from their combined efforts. We support the UK Government’s Heat Training


Grant, which offers heating engineers £500 towards their training, with many manufacturers committing


Left: Charlotte Lee, chief executive of the Heat Pump Association (HPA


demand and through the Government providing the market with certainty.


A career in heat pump installation


to match funding up to £1,000. However, this grant does not cover is lost earnings from the four to eight working days required to undertake heat pump training by existing engineers. With many registered businesses being sole traders, this could be a significant oversight. So, whilst certainly helpful, we call on the Government to closely monitor the uptake and react swiftly if demand is less than anticipated. The grant also does not cover the need for


newcomers in the workforce as the heating industry is aging and decreasing in size with installers retiring at a faster rate than they are currently being replaced. However, the recent generous funding band allocation to the new Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship is welcomed, and we hope that will be offered by educational provisions across the country when approved. More broadly speaking, developing a strong,


confident, competent and qualified heat pump installer network will come down to generating consumer


Job security is possibly one of the most appealing factors for highly skilled tradesperson. The trade industries allow for good salaries, varied and flexible working hours and often great career progression. As well as the potential of being your own boss. Of course, intensive and regular training is required and although not the easiest option is it a satisfying one. Additionally, with the Government’s evident commitment to heat pumps, it is clear that there is longevity in a career in heat pumps. As an association, we also look to our members to promote a diverse workforce and welcoming culture.


Looking ahead


The difficulties faced with engaging installers into the industry are surmountable with clear Government policy positioning and increased consumer demand. Increasing the number of skilled heat pump installers is not just a goal; it is a necessity for the UK to reach net zero by 2050. Industry must remain committed to collaborating across the spectrum to foster an enticing environment for trained professionals who can drive the adoption of heat pump technology.


22 October 2023


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