The UK is committed to achieving net zero by 2050 – so upskilling in heat pumps could be a lucrative choice for forward-thinking electrical businesses.
NICEIC Media Team | Communications
In the 2021 Net Zero Strategy, the government set out a series of policies and commitments designed to help the UK reach net zero by 2050. This will require a huge transition to electrification and low-carbon technologies over the next 25 years.
So, if you were wondering about the value of upskilling in the design, installation and maintenance of heat pumps for you and your team, here are five good reasons why you should go for it.
“Making heat pumps as cheap to buy and run as a gas boiler by growing the heat pump market to support 600,000 installations per year by 2028 and expanding UK manufacturing – with the ambition of working with industry to reduce costs by at least 25-50% by 2025 and to parity with gas boilers by 2030 at the latest.”
In line with this commitment, homeowners have been incentivised to invest in heat pumps through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers capital grants of up to £7,500 for those making the switch to low-carbon heating systems.
With the Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently set to continue until the end of 2027, there are likely to be significant opportunities for trained heat pump technicians over the next few years and well into the future.
Applications to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme also surged in 2024, with 78% more vouchers issued in December 2024 than the same period the previous year.
And, with over 200,000 Octopus Energy customers interested in installing a heat pump in 2024 (an 144% increase on 2023) and 49% of consumers saying they want to invest in low-carbon heating solutions in a survey by Mitsubishi, the heat pump industry is seriously heating up!
These figures make it clear that the low-carbon heating industry is accelerating – and quickly. And studies show that an increasing number of installers are looking to upskill in order to take advantage of this trend.
In a 2023 study by Vaillant, over half (56%) of installers who don’t currently install heat pumps said they were interested in upskilling, with a further 31% answering that they may be interested. The number one motivator for doing so was futureproofing their business, followed closely by the financial benefits of a broader heating solution offering, and environmental benefits.
Figures from the Heat Pump Association (HPA) show that a rising number of installers are following through on their upskilling intentions; the number of individuals who completed a recognised heat pump training qualification (such as those offered by NICEIC Certification and NICEIC Training) increased by an unprecedented 15% in 2024, adding over 9,000 new heat pump installers to the UK’s ranks.
With an increasing number of businesses setting themselves apart through renewables upskilling, those that stick to a more traditional service offering could find themselves outpaced by the competition.
2022, 2023 and 2024 all ranked in the top five hottest years on record in the UK, while extreme weather events such as storms and droughts have been increasing in severity over the past decade. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to lead to around 250,000 additional deaths globally each year. Decarbonisation and electrification aren’t just political issues – they’re a worldwide imperative.
Very few individuals have the necessary skills to play a pivotal role in the future of our planet – but heat pump technicians do. Across the globe, electricians and other professionals skilled in the installation, maintenance and repair of renewable technologies will be vital in driving forward the infrastructure changes needed to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero. By upskilling in heat pumps and other renewable technologies, you can contribute in a meaningful way to minimising the damage caused by climate change.
NICEIC Training is a Heat Training Grant training provider, meaning that aspiring heat pump installers can benefit from this government scheme and receive up to £500 off NICEIC Training's popular heat pump training course. In just three days, you could be fully trained to install and maintain heat pumps, helping you future-proof your business and do your bit to support the environment.
Grants will be allocated to eligible heating engineers on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss out – get in touch with our training team on 0333 015 6627 or email traininginfo@niceic.com to book your spot!
So, if you were wondering about the value of upskilling in the design, installation and maintenance of heat pumps for you and your team, here are five good reasons why you should go for it.
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The government has committed to expanding heat pump use
“Making heat pumps as cheap to buy and run as a gas boiler by growing the heat pump market to support 600,000 installations per year by 2028 and expanding UK manufacturing – with the ambition of working with industry to reduce costs by at least 25-50% by 2025 and to parity with gas boilers by 2030 at the latest.”
In line with this commitment, homeowners have been incentivised to invest in heat pumps through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers capital grants of up to £7,500 for those making the switch to low-carbon heating systems.
With the Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently set to continue until the end of 2027, there are likely to be significant opportunities for trained heat pump technicians over the next few years and well into the future.
-
Demand is growing
Applications to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme also surged in 2024, with 78% more vouchers issued in December 2024 than the same period the previous year.
And, with over 200,000 Octopus Energy customers interested in installing a heat pump in 2024 (an 144% increase on 2023) and 49% of consumers saying they want to invest in low-carbon heating solutions in a survey by Mitsubishi, the heat pump industry is seriously heating up!
-
It’s a great way to future-proof your business
These figures make it clear that the low-carbon heating industry is accelerating – and quickly. And studies show that an increasing number of installers are looking to upskill in order to take advantage of this trend.
In a 2023 study by Vaillant, over half (56%) of installers who don’t currently install heat pumps said they were interested in upskilling, with a further 31% answering that they may be interested. The number one motivator for doing so was futureproofing their business, followed closely by the financial benefits of a broader heating solution offering, and environmental benefits.
Figures from the Heat Pump Association (HPA) show that a rising number of installers are following through on their upskilling intentions; the number of individuals who completed a recognised heat pump training qualification (such as those offered by NICEIC Certification and NICEIC Training) increased by an unprecedented 15% in 2024, adding over 9,000 new heat pump installers to the UK’s ranks.
With an increasing number of businesses setting themselves apart through renewables upskilling, those that stick to a more traditional service offering could find themselves outpaced by the competition.
-
Your business can play a key role in preventing climate change
2022, 2023 and 2024 all ranked in the top five hottest years on record in the UK, while extreme weather events such as storms and droughts have been increasing in severity over the past decade. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to lead to around 250,000 additional deaths globally each year. Decarbonisation and electrification aren’t just political issues – they’re a worldwide imperative.
Very few individuals have the necessary skills to play a pivotal role in the future of our planet – but heat pump technicians do. Across the globe, electricians and other professionals skilled in the installation, maintenance and repair of renewable technologies will be vital in driving forward the infrastructure changes needed to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero. By upskilling in heat pumps and other renewable technologies, you can contribute in a meaningful way to minimising the damage caused by climate change.
-
You can get £500 off heat pump training with the Heat Training Grant
NICEIC Training is a Heat Training Grant training provider, meaning that aspiring heat pump installers can benefit from this government scheme and receive up to £500 off NICEIC Training's popular heat pump training course. In just three days, you could be fully trained to install and maintain heat pumps, helping you future-proof your business and do your bit to support the environment.
Grants will be allocated to eligible heating engineers on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss out – get in touch with our training team on 0333 015 6627 or email traininginfo@niceic.com to book your spot!
