The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) have launched a new Retrofit Skills Plan at a Westminster event on 7 July 2026, aiming to train 10,000 construction workers over five years in energy-efficiency upgrades. The plan addresses a critical shortage of qualified installers for heat pumps, insulation, solar panels, and other retrofit measures needed to meet the UK’s 2035 net-zero targets.
What the plan covers
The plan, developed from a research report commissioned by CITB and FMB, identifies key gaps in the current workforce. According to the FMB, only 12% of its member firms currently offer full retrofit services, despite 80% reporting increased demand from homeowners. The plan proposes new apprenticeship pathways, upskilling courses for existing tradespeople, and a national retrofit qualification framework.
The Intermediary reports that the launch event was attended by MPs, industry leaders, and training providers, with the aim of securing cross-party support. The plan is designed to complement existing government schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and ECO4, which have been hampered by a lack of certified installers.
Why it matters for homeowners
For the typical UK homeowner, the skills shortage has meant long waiting times for heat pump installations—often six months or more in some regions—and inflated quotes from the few available contractors. A 3-bed semi needing a full retrofit (loft insulation, cavity wall fill, heat pump, and solar panels) can currently cost £15,000–£25,000, with grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500) and ECO4 (up to £10,000 for low-income households) only partially covering the bill.
The Retrofit Skills Plan, if successful, could reduce installation times by 30–40% within three years, according to FMB estimates cited in the research. It also aims to standardise pricing and quality, reducing the risk of cowboy builders. But the catch is that the plan is voluntary: it depends on construction firms investing in training, and on the government maintaining or increasing grant funding to stimulate demand.
What it costs and who pays
The plan’s budget is not yet fully disclosed, but CITB has committed £10 million from its levy fund, with FMB members contributing a further £5 million. The FMB’s research suggests that the total cost of training 10,000 workers to Level 3 retrofit standards will be around £50 million, leaving a £35 million gap. The industry is lobbying the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to match this with public funds, but no announcement has been made.
For homeowners, the immediate impact is limited. The plan will not directly lower the cost of heat pumps or insulation—those are driven by global supply chains and UK energy policy. But it could improve access to government grants: the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has underspent in previous years because of installer shortages, as the BBC reported in 2025. A larger trained workforce means more households can actually use the grants they’re entitled to.
EPC band implications
The UK government’s target is for all homes to reach EPC band C by 2035, but the FMB report notes that only 42% of homes currently meet this standard. The 19 million homes needing upgrades require an estimated 200,000 additional retrofit workers. The new plan covers only 5% of that need—a start, but not a solution. The FMB has called for a national retrofit strategy that includes mandatory training targets for all construction firms working on publicly funded projects.
Homeowners planning upgrades should still act now: the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is open until 2028, and ECO4 runs until March 2026. Check your EPC rating via gov.uk and compare quotes from at least three MCS-certified installers. The skills plan may shorten waiting lists in two to three years, but for now, demand outstrips supply.
Next steps for readers
- Check your current EPC band at gov.uk – if below C, you may qualify for ECO4 or HUG2 grants.
- Contact MCS-certified installers for heat pump and solar quotes; expect 3–6 month lead times.
- Ask your local MP to support funding for the Retrofit Skills Plan.
- If you’re a tradesperson, consider retrofit training via CITB or FMB – the plan offers subsidised courses from 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Retrofit Skills Plan is a five-year initiative by CITB and FMB to train 10,000 construction workers in energy-efficiency upgrades like heat pumps, insulation, and solar panels. It was launched at a Westminster event in July 2026 and aims to address the UK's shortage of qualified retrofit installers.
The plan could reduce waiting times for certified installers and improve access to government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and ECO4. However, it only covers 5% of the estimated 200,000 workers needed, so immediate benefits may take 2–3 years to materialise.
Yes, if you're a tradesperson or construction firm, CITB and FMB offer subsidised courses from 2027. Homeowners cannot directly access training funds, but a larger skilled workforce should lead to more competitive quotes and shorter installation times.
