The government’s 600,000-a-year heat pump target by 2028 depends on one thing: installers who know what they’re doing. A new training scheme, reported by Energy Live News, has won strong approval from installers themselves. That matters more than any Whitehall press release.
Why installer approval matters for your bills
A poorly installed heat pump can cost a typical 3-bed semi an extra £200 a year in electricity. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that optimal installation can achieve a coefficient of performance (CoP) of 3.5 or higher, versus 2.5 for a slapdash job. The training scheme focuses on system design, refrigerant handling, and commissioning, the exact areas where mistakes happen. Ofgem data from the BUS scheme shows that 12% of installed heat pumps required a follow-up visit in 2023. If this scheme cuts that rate to 5%, homeowners save not just money but the headache of repeated callouts.
Who qualifies, and who doesn’t
The scheme, run by the Heat Pump Association in partnership with colleges, targets both new entrants and existing gas engineers. Gas Safe registered engineers can complete a 5-day conversion course. New entrants need a longer apprenticeship. The catch: only 1,200 places are funded for 2024, against an estimated need for 20,000 new heat pump installers by 2028. The government has not yet confirmed whether funding will expand. Installers in the North East and Scotland report the longest waiting lists for training places.
What it means for your EPC and grants
Better-trained installers should also improve EPC outcomes. A heat pump installed to MCS standards can lift a D-rated property to a C, provided the fabric is adequate. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) currently offers £7,500 off an air-source heat pump, but only if the installer is MCS-certified. The new training scheme is built to fast-track MCS accreditation. For homeowners, the practical takeaway: check that your installer has completed this or equivalent training, not just the minimum certification. Ask to see their commissioning report. A good installer will provide one.
What this misses
The training scheme addresses skills, not demand. The BUS grant has seen only 40% of allocated funds used in 2023-24, according to government figures. Homeowners remain wary of upfront costs, a typical heat pump installation costs £7,000 to £13,000 after the grant. Electricity prices, at about 24p per kWh versus 6p for gas, still make running costs a hard sell. The training scheme is necessary but not sufficient. Without cheaper electricity tariffs for heat pump users, as seen in France and Sweden, the 600,000 target remains a stretch.
Homeowners considering a heat pump should act before April 2025, when the BUS grant may be reduced. Use the Energy Saving Trust’s postcode tool to check eligibility. And insist on an installer who has completed this training scheme. Your bills will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indirectly, yes. More trained installers should increase competition and reduce labour costs over time. However, the main cost savings for homeowners come from better system efficiency, which lowers running bills by up to 30% compared to a poorly installed unit.
Ask potential installers directly whether they have completed the Heat Pump Association's training scheme or equivalent. You can also check the MCS installer database and look for 'advanced heat pump training' in their qualifications. The Energy Saving Trust recommends getting at least three quotes.
