20 October 2025
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Alex Robinson, Head of Training at NICEIC, discusses why now is the perfect time for electrotechnical professionals to get trained and qualified in heat pump installation and maintenance.
In the 2021 Net Zero Strategy, the government set out a series of policies and commitments designed to help the UK reach net zero by 2050. This will require a major transition to electrification and low carbon technologies over the next 25 years.
For those considering upskilling in the design, installation and maintenance of heat pumps, there are several reasons why this might be the perfect time to do so. The sustained growth in heat pump installations looks set to continue as they become an increasingly attractive option for householders. Whether you are an experienced professional or an apprentice, becoming competent in heat pumps can open up a range of career or business growth opportunities.
The government backs heat pumps
In 2021, the government made a series of commitments as part of its Net Zero Strategy, which included targets to reduce carbon emissions by electrifying heating systems in domestic properties, with heat pumps being a central part of the plan.
As part of these commitments, the government plans to not only grow the heat pump market to 600,000 installations per year by 2028 but also make heat pumps as cheap to buy and run as their gas powered predecessors. To achieve this, the government is considering cost reductions of 25-50% by 20251, with the aim of delivering a heat pump offering that is comparable in price to gas-powered boilers by 2030.
Further supporting these commitments is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers grants of up to £7,500 for homeowners switching to low-carbon heating systems. Launched in 2022, the scheme has now been extended and is expected to run until at least 2027.
Demand among consumers is high
Consumer uptake of heat pumps has been steadily on the rise for a number of years. Statistics from the Heat Pump Association show the government’s approach is working, as air-to-water heat pump sales rose by 63% in 2024, with more than 98,000 units sold2.
Applications to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Alex Robinson, Head of Training at NICEIC also surged in 2024, with 78%3 more vouchers issued in December 2024 than in the same period the previous year. For tradespeople with the right skills, this means more enquiries and more installations.
Future-proofing your business
By 2025, the UK’s renewable energy and clean technology sectors are set to see a surge in value to £41bn, up from just over £24bn in 2022/23. This is a clear demonstration of how the low-carbon and renewable heating industry is accelerating at pace, and why professionals should be growing alongside it by upskilling to meet consumer demands.
In fact, professionals across the heating and hot water industry are already taking notice. A 2023 study from Vaillant, one of Europe’s leading heating and hot water appliances manufacturers, found that over half (56%) of installers who don’t currently install heat pumps said they were interested in upskilling in the field, with a further 31% said that they may be interested4. The main motivator for this was to futureproof their business, followed closely by the financial benefits of a broader heating solution offering, as well as the environmental benefits.
Figures from the Heat Pump Association (HPA) show that a rising number of installers are following through on their upskilling intentions. The number of individuals who completed a recognised heat pump training qualification, such as those offered by NICEIC, increased by an unprecedented 15% in 20245.
More installers are choosing to upskill in renewables, to set themselves apart from the competition and help ensure their business is moving with a shifting landscape.
Play a role in tackling climate change
Recent years have ranked among the hottest on record in the UK6. Extreme weather events such as storms and droughts have been increasing in severity over the past decade, and domestic heating remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to lead to around 250,000 additional deaths globally each year7, meaning more must be done in the mission to help decarbonise and electrify domestic heating. Electricians skilled in renewable heating are able to make a meaningful difference by installing, commissioning, servicing and repairing heat pump systems properly. The work matters not only commercially but socially and environmentally.
Why NICEIC
NICEIC’s heat pump training is built to meet industry standards, combining classroom theory with practical learning.
NICEIC is a Heat Training Grant training provider, giving those looking to upskill in heat‑pumps up to £500 off NICEIC’s heat pump training course. The three‑day course covers installation and maintenance, including theory and hands‑on work such as installation, testing, commissioning, servicing and fault diagnosis. Start your upskilling journey with NICEIC, by visiting: www.niceic.com/ training.
Source
- www.gov.uk/government/publications/heat-and-buildings-strategy/heat-and-building-strategyaccessible-webpage
- www.hvnplus.co.uk/news/heat-pump-association-data-shows-record-breaking-market-growth-31-01-2025/
- https://renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk/2025/02/more-figures-support-2024-as-a-record-year-for-heat-pumps/
- www.oilinstaller.co.uk/2023/04/installers-see-future-proofing-as-the-biggest-motivation-for-heat-pump-training/
- www.heatpumps.org.uk/record-year-for-uk-heat-pump-sales-and-training/
- https://tinyurl.com/3vuf6h3v
- www.who.int/health-topics/climate-change#tab=tab_1
