A new report by the Heat Pump Association (HPA) reveals that while the sector is on track to train future heat pump installers, increased consumer demand and market confidence are essential to fully activate this workforce.
To meet the UK’s previous Government target of 600,000 installations annually by 2028, the workforce must expand to over 41,000 full-time roles. This figure needs to rise to 122,000 by 2035 to achieve the goal of 1.6 million installations per year.
The study highlights the necessity for growth not only among installers but across electrical, plumbing, and sales sectors to support this transition. Although over 7,800 individuals earned heat pump qualifications in 2023, a 133% increase from 2022, and an additional 7,000 have completed training in early 2024, only about 61% of trained individuals are progressing to installation roles.
HPA Chief Executive Charlotte Lee emphasizes the need for government clarity to boost market confidence and encourage trained individuals to pursue careers as active installers. She stresses the importance of applying skills and gaining experience to meet deployment targets quickly.
Dr Richard Hauxwell-Baldwin of The MCS Foundation calls for long-term policies, like making heat pumps mandatory in new homes, to foster confidence and investment in clean heat.
HPA members currently operate over 260 training sites, with the capacity to train around 80,000 individuals annually, showcasing the sector’s training capabilities.
For more details, visit the full HPA report.
