The report identifies Wales (75%), the East Midlands (74%), the North West and Scotland (both 72%) as the most prepared regions, with the South West also showing strong uptake at 68%. In contrast, Northern Ireland reports the lowest current training rate at 21%, but leads in future intent, with 71% of professionals planning to upskill. The North East (56%), East of England (47%) and Greater London (39%) also show promising pipelines of planned training.
Installer confidence in the heat pump market is growing, driven by anticipated customer demand (37%), competitive advantage (34%) and personal interest in renewables (38%). Accessibility and employer support are also key enablers, with 30% citing convenience and 28% noting employer encouragement or funding.
Barriers to training persist, however. Cost (28%), lack of local provision (24%), difficulty taking time off work (24%), insufficient customer demand (24%), and market saturation (20%) were amongst the reasons cited. One in five respondents said they do not plan to train due to impending retirement.
Concerns remain about meeting the Government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installations annually by 2028. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents believe there are not enough qualified installers to meet current demand, and 85% agree that more financial support is needed to help professionals train or upskill.
Hemal Morjaria, Managing Director - Heating & Renewables at City Plumbing, part of the Highbourne Group, said: “Our research shows clear progress on heat pump training, but some disparities between the regions. Although it’s positive to see so many upskilling, it’s important that we continue to support installers – especially sole traders and small businesses – with affordable and accessible training to future-proof the industry, which plays an essential part in the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
City Plumbing surveyed 500 plumbers and heating installers across the UK to compile the report, which outlines current trends, opportunities and risks in the transition to low-carbon heating.