07 August 2025
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Government net-zero strategy positions heat pumps at the centre of low-carbon heating solutions, with demand for installation expertise rising rapidly. Yet, behind this clean heat revolution, a growing crisis is emerging: a shortage of skilled workers. Mark Krull, Director at Logic4training, discusses how apprenticeships hold the key to addressing this challenge, through flexible business-focused programmes.
Apprenticeships stand the test of time - positioned as the traditional entry point into the trades, combining real-world experience with structured learning. But as the building services sector rapidly changes to meet low-carbon solutions for heating, diversifying how new talent enters the sector is critical. Through tailored, work ready training models, apprenticeships can close the skills gap while providing long term value for employers.
Insights from the TrustMark report
The latest TrustMark report, ‘Skilled to Build1’ has highlighted a critical issue in the plumbing and heating industry: An ageing workforce, a widening skills gap and a recruitment pipeline that isn’t keeping up with demand. With 44% of the workforce over 55 and 79% of renewable heating businesses struggling to recruit, small businesses need a sustainable solution to scale up and future-proof their workforce.
The report also draws attention to low awareness of available financial incentives, recommending clearer signposting to help Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) access funding.
A perfect storm: Skills shortage meets soaring demand
Heat pumps are the front-runner for low carbon domestic heating solutions in the UK - with Government backing in the form of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offering up to £7,500 towards installation costs. BUS applications are up 73% from January to June 2024, compared to the same period in 2023 - an affirming statistic that growth in demand is clear. The trend is set to continue with the recent spending review stating that funding for BUS will continue to increase each year until 2029/30. But without a skilled workforce to match growing demand, the momentum created BUS may not reach its potential. This is why apprenticeships are more important than ever before, allowing employers to take advantage of market drivers, affordably and sustainably.
Why apprenticeships are the ideal solution for small businesses
For SMEs navigating tight budgets and limited time, apprenticeships present a practical solution wherein employers receive government-backed training support, and apprentices gain valuable skills through real world experience. With lower starting wages and funding that can cover up to 100% of training costs, it’s a scalable investment.
The benefits are mutual; the apprentice gets to ‘earn while they learn’ with a clear progression pathway for their career, while the employer has a lower-risk, cost effective way of recruiting (and retaining) ‘home-grown’ talent. Government statistics show that 86% of employers believe apprenticeships help develop new skills that support their organisation’s growth. Apprentices are significantly more likely to remain with their employer after completing their training.
Future-proofing the workforce
It’s no secret that the heating sector needs a skilled, net-zero-ready workforce and the next generation of engineers will increasingly require skills in renewable technologies such as heat pumps. Opportunities to upskill in these areas will remain essential, but we need to be realistic about what's required for the transition to low carbon heating.
While it's encouraging to see a growing focus on heat pumps through initiatives like the Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship (LCHTA), gas isn’t disappearing overnight - the UK is still a way off becoming fossil fuel free. Even after installations cease, most homes are currently heated by gas - hybrid systems and boiler replacements will remain part of the landscape for years to come. Exclude plumbing and gas qualifications as a core component of training and it limits the capability of future installers who will need to work with existing systems.
We need broad, flexible training that reflects reality. To that end, CIPHE2 has recently updated its Level 2 and Level 3 plumbing apprenticeship Standards to reflect the changing landscape, with Level 3 progression including low carbon heating, gas engineering and further assessment on low temperature hot water systems. These new Standards aim to level the playing field to include all plumbing routes and not just those that are fuel based.
Flexible apprenticeship models
Traditional college-based training often clashes with the day-to-day needs of small businesses. In response to industry demand, there are more flexible and inclusive options that enable small businesses and sole traders to customise training to fit specific needs - diversifying the way that businesses can develop talent internally.
Colleges are usually bound by term times, but some private training providers, such as Logic4training, offer more adaptable solutions, allowing employers to customise training schedules and better integrate hands-on learning with classroom theory. Block classroom training i.e. a week in centre followed by three weeks on the job - for example, rather than the traditional day release model.
The rise of career-changer apprentices
In recent years, there has been a shift in the apprenticeship talent pool - no longer limited to school leavers, they offer an alternative route for adults seeking a change in career. Increasingly, people from all walks of life are leaving entirely different sectors to retrain in trades like gas engineering and plumbing.
Examples from our own apprenticeship programme include Julieta, whose story shows how apprenticeships can open doors for those wanting a fresh start. Seeking a stable, secure career, in her early 30s, she found her way from hospitality to an apprenticeship in gas engineering.
“I love that every day is different and that I’m putting down roots in a career that feels worthwhile. Each job has its own challenges, and I enjoy figuring things out. Before I started, I’d underestimated what I’d been doing. It’s much more interesting than I’d imagined it would be and it’s really great to feel part of a valued team.”
From the employer’s perspective, what sets a career changer apart is their mindset. They bring with them a strong work ethic, life experience, and a clear reason for changing direction. For many, it’s about better work-life balance, long-term prospects, or the chance to be their own boss. And with the skills gap continuing to grow in the building services sector, they’re stepping into a market that’s crying out for capable, competent professionals who face a steady pipeline of work.
Heat pump ready
Ultimately, the challenge facing the heating industry is not just about filling vacancies and attracting new entrants - it’s about future-proofing the workforce. As green technologies continue to develop, businesses need staff who are adaptable, well-trained with the right background and experience to support the heat pump roll out. Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to shape new recruits to suit the specific demands of the current heating landscape, and an individual businesses culture and values.
A bespoke approach
Julieta is completing her apprenticeship with CSD-Gas. Logic4training partnered with Tony Day, Business Development Manager at CSD-gas, to create a customised apprenticeship training programme tailored to the unique needs of his business. Collaboratively, they developed a block release model, enabling his two apprentices to spend one week per month in dedicated training and the rest gaining hands-on experience alongside CSD-gas engineers.
This bespoke approach delivers high quality education combined with real-world application, equipping apprentices with the necessary skills for a successful career in the gas industry. As the employer, Tony benefits from an affordable recruitment process, enabling him to build a capable, work ready team.
To read more about how Logic4training can design our apprenticeships specifically for you visit: https://apprenticeships. logic4training.co.uk
Source
1. www.trustmark.org.uk/pages/skills-gap-research/thank-you
2. www.ciphe.org.uk/globalassets/media/pdfs/the-ciphe-plumbing-standards-faqs-.pdf
