19 June 2026
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BBC News has highlighted that UK heat pump rollout is slowed by a skills gap. Madeleine Gabriel, Director of Sustainable Future at Nesta, shares how Nesta’s hands-on training boosts installer confidence, which is key to scaling adoption.
Recent reporting by BBC News1 has underlined the scale and urgency of the UK’s home energy challenge, as developers from 2028 will be required to install heat pumps in all new homes in England as part of updated planning requirement published by the government. But while it is promising to see this policy ambition is accelerating, delivery on the ground is struggling to keep pace and will only succeed if there are enough skilled workers to carry it out.
The answer lies – in part – in addressing the urgent skills gap. While thousands of engineers are being trained to install heat pumps, only 27% of newly qualified installers2 go on to complete an installation within a year of receiving training. That’s not due to a lack of motivation or consumer demand, but of confidence and experience. Engineers need more than classroom knowledge; they need hands-on practice and the assurance that they can deliver high-quality installations in realworld conditions.
The power of getting hands-on
This is where initiatives like Nesta’s Start at Home3 programme come in. By enabling heating engineers to install a government funded heat pump in their own homes, our programme is designed to build confidence and help develop practical skills – a simple idea with powerful results.
In our recent pilot, in partnership with the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation, we provided heat pumps to heating engineers across Scotland; 100% of participating engineers reported improved understanding of system design and installation, and 61% experienced a large boost in confidence in the technology and in talking to customers about it (66%).
The reason for this is simple: If you want engineers to feel confident installing heat pumps for others, let them start by installing one in their own homes. This approach not only builds technical fluency but also gives installers a personal stake in the technology. They experience the benefits first-hand, understand the challenges and teething issues involved in the installation process intimately, and become more effective advocates for heat pumps among their customers and in their communities.
A golden opportunity for engineers and industry
The economic opportunity for installers is significant. Heat pumps represent a growing market, and engineers who upskill now will be more likely to future-proof their businesses. As demand accelerates, those with the right expertise will gain a competitive edge, positioning themselves as leaders in a low-carbon future.
The shift is already underway. Consumer demand is quickly rising, especially as energy prices fluctuate and environmental awareness grows. According to the latest findings from the Heat Pump Association, nearly 100,000 heat pumps sold in the UK in 2024, a 63% increase from 2023.
The wider business case for heat pumps is compelling. They need less maintenance than traditional boilers, have a longer lifespan, and offer consistent performance. For consumers, this can translate into lower lifetime costs and greater peace of mind. For installers, it means fewer callbacks and more satisfied customers. As the market matures, these advantages will become increasingly clear and valuable.
All hands to the pump
To seize the opportunity, coordinated action across the sector is needed. Manufacturers, training providers, and policymakers must work together to close the skills gap and support engineers through their transition. That means investing in high-quality training, creating more opportunities for hands-on experience, and ensuring that funding schemes are accessible and well communicated.
Government support is also crucial. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme and other incentives are helping to make heat pumps more affordable for households, but uptake remains uneven. Clearer messaging, streamlined processes, and targeted outreach – especially to installers – can help unlock the full potential of these programmes.
After all, it’s installers who are on the frontlines of this transition. Their confidence and capability are pivotal to accelerating the shift to low-carbon heating in a way that’s practical, inclusive, and sustainable.
Turning up the heat on jobs, growth and climate
The benefits of getting this right are enormous. As the Government made clear with the recent announcement of its “clean energy superprower” strategy4, job creation and a more confident, skilled workforce will not only help us meet our climate targets but also drive long-term economic growth and competitiveness.
This strategy will rely heavily on the Government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan, which aims to create over 400,000 new green jobs by 2030. Thousands of new jobs will likely be created in the heating sector alone, from installation and maintenance to manufacturing and support services. Communities across the UK stand to benefit from cleaner air and lower bills to greater energy security and resilience.
The heating sector doesn’t need to wait for change – it can start at home. We want the industry to grasp this opportunity and ensure that every engineer has the tools, experience, and confidence to deliver the future of heating. With winter approaching, consumer interest rising, and government funding available, the time to act is now.
By bridging the skills gap, we can make the heating sector one that works for everyone – creating more jobs, cutting carbon, and making homes warmer and more affordable.
www.nesta.org.uk/
Source
1. www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czjw7klkjm2o
2. www.gov.uk/government/publications/heat-training-grant-heat-pumpscheme-review
4. www.gov.uk/missions/clean-energy
