Retrofit skills gap threatens UK home energy upgrades

The UK needs to retrofit 1.8 million homes a year to meet net-zero targets. But the country has barely 10,000 qualified retrofit coordinators. That mismatch, between political ambition and on-the-ground capacity, is the central finding of a new report from the Federation of Master Builders, as reported by the FMB. For homeowners, the implications are concrete: longer waits, higher quotes, and the risk that rushed work undermines the very savings retrofits are meant to deliver.

What the skills gap means for your retrofit project

If you’re planning a heat pump installation or solid-wall insulation in 2025, expect a minimum six-month lead time in most regions, according to installers surveyed by the Energy Saving Trust. In parts of Scotland and the South West, wait times stretch past a year. The FMB report estimates the industry needs 25,000 additional workers with retrofit-specific training by 2030, a 150% increase on current numbers. Without them, the government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028 looks aspirational at best.

The catch is that ‘retrofit’ isn’t a single trade. It spans cavity-wall insulation, loft insulation, double glazing, solar PV, heat pumps, and ventilation systems, each requiring distinct certifications. A gas boiler installer cannot simply switch to heat pumps without retraining. The FMB calls for a ‘sector skills strategy’ that standardises qualifications and funds training centres. Ofgem’s latest data shows the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has installed only 35,000 heat pumps since launch, against a target of 90,000, undersupply of qualified installers is a key reason.

Who pays for the training gap

Homeowners bear the cost directly. When demand exceeds supply, prices rise. The average air-source heat pump installation now costs between £7,000 and £13,000, according to the Energy Saving Trust, up from £6,000-£10,000 in 2022. Insulation quotes have risen similarly. The FMB report notes that retrofit projects in areas with few certified installers cost 20-30% more than in well-served regions. For a typical 3-bed semi needing solid-wall insulation, that premium adds £2,000-£3,000 to a £10,000 job.

But the bigger risk is quality. A poorly installed heat pump can increase running costs by 40%, wiping out bill savings. The FMB warns that without proper training, installers may size systems incorrectly or fail to integrate them with existing heating controls. The government’s new ‘TrustMark’ scheme aims to certify retrofit firms, but only 4,000 companies are registered, a fraction of the 50,000-plus building firms in the UK.

What homeowners can do now

First, check your installer’s credentials before signing anything. Ask for PAS 2035 certification, the standard for whole-house retrofit. The FMB report recommends homeowners use its own Find a Builder tool or the TrustMark website to verify qualifications. Second, don’t rush. A delayed project that’s done right saves more money in the long run than a quick job that fails. Third, consider a ‘fabric-first’ approach: insulation before heating. It reduces heat demand first, meaning smaller (and cheaper) heat pumps.

The government’s response to the FMB report is expected by autumn 2025. It will need to include funding for training centres, a national retrofit qualification, and incentives for small builders to upskill. Without that, the skills gap widens, and homeowners pay the price. Check the FMB report for full recommendations. If you’re planning a retrofit, start your installer search now and book early. The queue is only getting longer.