PHAM NEWS | MAY 2026 4 News Review Online


support for young gas engineers


Installers recognise new revenue opportunity


Heat pump installers and heating engineers across the UK say they expect low-carbon heating to quickly become a significant source of revenue, with 25% anticipating that between a quarter and half of their income will come from low- carbon heating sources by winter, new polling from Nesta finds. The in-depth survey of 200


gas heating engineers and heat pump installers, conducted by Censuswide in March, found that the majority (70%) of respondents expect heat pumps will deliver between 10% and 50% of their revenue by the winter. Nesta is supporting this shift through its Start at Home initiative, designed to help installers build confidence with heat pump installations for customers. The survey suggests that heating


engineers who seek hands-on training are better placed to diversify and grow their businesses as the transition to low-carbon heating sources gathers pace. 60% of respondents say hands-on experience with new kit, seeing it in action in a customer’s home (20%) or trying it themselves (14%), is the most effective way to learn before installation. A previous survey by the


Department for Energy Security and Net Zero revealed that only 27% of newly trained heat pump


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installers completed a heat pump installation within a year of training, due partly to a lack of confidence in the technology and the installation process.


Start at Home Nesta argues that building confidence and know-how during the spring and summer, when heating engineers typically have more availability to upskill, presents a good opportunity for them to expand the services they offer and future-proof their businesses. Start at Home, which enables heating engineers to fit a government-funded heat pump in their homes, has been designed to offer such training. Madeleine Gabriel, mission


director for a sustainable future at Nesta, comments: “Low-carbon heating is becoming central to how heating engineers make a living, so we need to make it easier for them to get hands-on with the technology, build skills that pay and feel secure as demand grows. Our existing heating workforce will help to drive a low-carbon future in homes across the UK, but we have to ensure they are well equipped in order for this to happen.” To register for a Start at Home


scheme please use the online reader link below: ◼ phamnews.co.uk/526/01


A new trial has been launched by the Gas Safe Register aimed at supporting students and trainees as they begin their careers in the gas industry. Those currently training to become gas engineers are invited to take part in a programme that provides them with practical resources to enhance their learning. Participants will be asked


to complete a series of short surveys at different stages, alongside accessing practical resources covering topics such as registration, safety, career pathways and future skills.


Students will also have the opportunity to meet with a local Gas Safe Register inspector to ask questions about the inspection process and understand what to expect. The trial is being delivered


by Talan on behalf of Gas Safe Register and the HSE and there are plans to hold live webinars with gas engineers during which


students will have the opportunity to ask questions. They will also be able to access a new Student Technical Support Service, where they can raise concerns and receive honest, impartial advice. Director of gas services Rob Denman says: “We know that starting out in the gas industry can be challenging, particularly as the sector continues to change. In a world of new media, trainees aren’t always sure where to go for clear, trusted advice. Gas Safe Register has an important role to play in ensuring that we support students to qualify and practice safely.


“This trial is about listening to


those coming into the industry and using that insight to shape the support we provide, so new engineers feel more confident as they begin their careers.” It is available to students until


31 July 2026 through the ‘Student Hub’ on the Gas Safe Register website.


New facility to promote renewables growth


A new purpose-built facility in Bicester has been opened by Ultimate Renewables Supplies to promote the national adoption of renewable energy solutions. The new facility accommodates an expanded warehouse operation, a fully equipped showroom and a dedicated technical training workshop, allowing installers, merchants and commercial partners to experience renewable systems in a practical environment. In addition to increasing stock


capacity, strengthening technical support provision and creating a central hub for nationwide distribution, the new facility has been developed with efficiency at its core. Powered by technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps, it has been designed as a live example of commercial sustainability in action, showcasing what is possible with renewables. General manager Colin Mason says: “We’ve designed our new facility to be more than a distribution hub, integrating a


showroom and even installer training to support the continued growth and adoption of renewable technologies. It’s these elements that allow us to combine strong distribution with hands-on knowledge and expertise to directly support installers and merchants.” As well as delivering complete


turnkey solutions for the design and supply of renewables packages, the company offers access to MCS sign-off through its Umbrella


Scheme. The URS portfolio includes everything from underfloor heating and air conditioning, through to solar PV and battery storage. Having teamed up with the industry’s leading manufacturers, customers can expect access to solutions from brands including: Clivet, Ideal, Samsung, Vaillant, Panasonic, Navien, Grant, Baxi, Carrier (Viessmann), Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Passiv and Adia. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/526/02


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