The UK needs 30,000 trained heat pump installers by 2028 to meet the government’s target of 600,000 installations a year. Last year, just 1,600 people completed training. That’s a gap of 28,400, or roughly the population of a small town like Bury St Edmunds.
New research from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, published on GOV.UK, offers a rare piece of good news: 88% of trainees who completed heat pump courses rated them as good or very good. The full study, as reported by GOV.UK, surveyed 1,200 trainees and found that hands-on practical sessions were the most valued element. But the catch is this: satisfaction with training does not automatically translate into more installers on the ground.
Who qualifies, and who doesn’t
The government’s heat pump training grant covers up to £500 of course costs for existing gas engineers, electricians, and plumbers. It also applies to new entrants through the Heat Training Grant, which was extended in April 2024. But the eligibility criteria are narrow: you must be working in a related trade or be unemployed and eligible for skills bootcamps. Retirees, career-changers without a construction background, and part-time workers are largely excluded.
Of the 1,600 who completed training last year, roughly two-thirds were existing gas engineers. That makes sense, they already understand heating systems, pipework, and electrical connections. But it also means the pool of potential new installers is limited to the roughly 130,000 gas-safe registered engineers in the UK. Even if every one of them retrained, the target would still require 23% of the entire gas workforce to switch. That is not realistic.
What it costs a typical 3-bed semi
For a homeowner in a typical 3-bed semi, the installer shortage means two things: wait times and price. Current wait times for a heat pump installation in England range from six to twelve months, according to industry body the Heat Pump Association. In Scotland and Wales, where the government has run separate installer training programmes, waits are shorter, around three to six months.
The cost of an air-source heat pump installation typically ranges from £7,000 to £13,000, though the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England offers a £7,500 grant. Even with the grant, the net cost of £0 to £5,500 is still higher than a new gas boiler, which costs £1,500 to £3,500. The payback period depends on your current heating system, insulation levels, and energy tariff. A well-insulated home with a heat pump can save £200–£400 a year compared to a gas boiler on a standard variable tariff, according to Energy Saving Trust estimates. But those savings assume you are on a heat-pump-optimised tariff, which not all suppliers offer.
Why the training numbers matter for your EPC
Heat pumps are the single most effective upgrade for improving an EPC rating from D to C or C to B, because they replace the fossil-fuel heating system with a low-carbon alternative. But the EPC methodology, which is being updated in 2025, will require a certified installer to sign off the installation. If there are not enough certified installers, homeowners will face delays in getting the EPC improvement they need, and the associated eligibility for lower mortgage rates through green mortgage products.
72% of trainees said they intended to install heat pumps within six months of completing their course. But intention is not the same as action. Trainees cited lack of customer demand, high upfront costs, and difficulty finding work as barriers. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is meant to stimulate demand, but only 25,000 grants were issued in 2023/24, far below the 50,000 target. The message is clear: training supply is not the only bottleneck. Demand must rise too.
But here is the real frustration for homeowners: even if you want a heat pump, you may struggle to find an installer who will quote. MCS-certified installers are concentrated in the South East and East of England. In the North West, the Midlands, and Wales, the density is half that. If you live in a rural area, you may need to wait nine months or more.
What you can do now
If you are considering a heat pump, start by checking your EPC rating and insulation levels. A heat pump works best in a home with loft insulation of at least 270 mm and cavity wall insulation. You can book a free home energy survey through the Energy Saving Trust or your local council’s energy advice service.
For the installer search, use the MCS database or the Heat Pump Association’s find-an-installer tool. Get at least three quotes. Ask about the heat loss calculation, the model of heat pump, and the warranty. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme application must be submitted by your installer before the work starts, you cannot apply retrospectively.
Finally, if you are a gas engineer or plumber reading this: the £500 training grant is available until 31 March 2025. The course takes five to ten days. The average heat pump installer earns between £35,000 and £50,000 a year, according to Indeed data. The demand is not going away. The question is whether enough people will take the course to meet it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most courses take between five and ten days, covering heat loss calculations, refrigerant handling, and installation. The government's £500 grant covers up to 80% of the cost.
Yes, you need an MCS-certified installer to apply for the £7,500 grant. In some regions, installers are booked months ahead. Check the MCS database early and be prepared to wait.
