PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2026 6 News Review What’s holding back heat pump workforce?


A new report has been published by the Heat Pump Association (HPA UK) which looks to address some of the issues holding back the country’s heat pump installer workforce and what more can be done to accelerate consumer demand. The report has been developed collaboratively with HPA UK’s installer members, reflecting the views of nearly 250 installation businesses of all sizes. The publication (Heat Pump


Plumbers around the globe to meet in Birmingham


The World Plumbing Conference is returning to the UK for the first time since delegates met in Edinburgh in 1990, with the theme ‘Worldwide Problems, Global Solutions’ set to guide conversations across the three- day event. Set to be staged at this month’s


InstallerSHOW between 23rd to 25th June (see page 17) it will be hosted by both the CIPHE and the World Plumbing Council and will welcome over 500 from around the world. Thought leaders, global experts and sustainability champions will share their insights on water efficiency, circular design, climate-resilient infrastructure and the role of plumbing in broader societal challenges. Highlights include keynote


sessions such as ‘The Global Plumbing Commitment’ delivered by Claire O’Neill, former UK Minister for Energy and Clean Growth and a global authority on sustainability, and ‘Plumbing as a Catalyst: Circular Solutions for a Water-Secure Future’, a panel discussion examining plumbing’s role in shaping breakthrough efficiency measures, circular design, and reuse strategies. Last held in Shanghai in 2023, the triennial event is a rare chance for the global plumbing


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community to get together and will be the 14th time the conference has taken place since the inaugural gathering in Sydney in 1985. As well as providing an opportunity to discuss key industry issues, it will also provide attendees with a chance to connect with peers, innovators and decision-makers with social highlights including a welcome drinks reception, a Gala Dinner with awards celebrating emerging talent, and a classic British afternoon tea to wrap up the event.


Sharing knowledge Commenting on the forthcoming event, Kevin Wellman, CEO at the CIPHE, says: “The international plumbing and heating sector is facing the same issues, with key challenges like the skills shortage, changing legislation and economic pressures all affecting tradespeople across the globe. As a result, the theme for this year’s conference is set to drive knowledge-sharing and practical discussion around how we can collectively address these challenges and future-proof the industry.” Registration is open, with a full three-day delegate pass priced at £415+VAT, and concessions for CIPHE members starting at £200+VAT. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/626/02


Installer Member Priorities: Recommendations for Government and the Wider Sector to Support the Heat Pump Workforce) sets out some of the priority actions installers believe are needed to support workforce development and reduce the administrative burden faced by installation businesses. Key recommendations include


streamlining certification and compliance requirements to reduce


CIPHE calls for action on vocational education


The CIPHE has responded to the recent study into young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) by calling for the introduction of a Level 2 plumbing apprenticeship and greater investment in vocational education. Kevin Wellman, the Institute’s


chief executive officer, says: “Alan Milburn’s report highlights an issue which the plumbing and heating sector has warned of for some time. The number of people entering training or employment is simply not keeping pace with those leaving or retiring from the profession. “With around 1 in 10 young


people now economically inactive, Milburn is correct that this is now a moral crisis which needs decisive, national action. The report’s warning that young people not in education, employment or training are costing the UK economy an estimated £125 billion annually, more than the country spends on education each year, underlines the scale and urgency of the challenge. Wellman argues that reform of


the apprenticeship system must be a priority, as many apprenticeship routes have become too complex,


unnecessary paperwork while maintaining high installation standards, and ensuring that any changes to schemes or incentives are clearly signalled and designed to minimise disruption to the market. In addition, the publication highlights the importance of rebalancing electricity and gas prices to ensure low-carbon heating becomes the most affordable option for


consumers, helping to drive sustained demand. Other priority areas outlined include: • Support for training, skills and workforce development


• Enhanced, centralised con- summer awareness and impartial advice • Streamlining grid connection


processes and updating After Diversity Maximum Demand (ADMD) calculation methodology Across these areas, heat pump


installers are calling for greater focus on simplifying processes and ensuring the market works effectively for business of all sizes, particularly for SMEs who face distinct challenges. The HPA suggests that addressing these priorities will be key to creating the conditions for the sector to decarbonise heating at pace and maximise the potential for wider economic growth. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/626/03


difficult to deliver, and do not always reflect how many businesses operate in practice. “We need clearer, more accessible vocational pathways into the industry,” he continues. “Introducing a Level 2 plumbing apprenticeship, for example, could provide an important entry point for many learners while helping employers bring new talent into the sector more effectively. “There is also a clear case for


technical careers to be given the same prominence as traditional, academic routes for school leavers. Skilled trades offer long-term, rewarding careers with genuine progression opportunities. “Milburn’s report is a welcome


intervention and presents an important opportunity to deliver the reforms that are urgently needed. Failing to act now risks letting down a generation of young people who are still feeling the long-term repercussions of the disruption that the COVID pandemic has had on their education, training and early career opportunities.”


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