Skills shortage is affecting heat pump installations

A national skills shortage in the HVAC, heat pump installation and wider UK energy industry is a growing issue that needs close attention as it could have a very serious impact on net zero objectives, according to Rinnai’s Tony Gittings. 

Tony said: “The skills shortage affects two key areas that are vital components of the drive towards UK carbon neutrality. Progress in domestic and commercial heat pump installations, as well as large infrastructure projects, is being negatively influenced by a lack of trained professionals.” 

The number of qualified heat pump engineers increased from just 3,000 in 2022 to 7,800 in 2023. In the first nine months of 2024 a further 7,000 had completed a recognised qualification, but for the UK to realise its net zero objectives the UK Heat Pump Association estimates that a total of 33,700 fully approved heat pump engineers is needed – with at least 27,000 by 2028. 

A lack of domestic demand is also having an impact on the market. Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association, has warned that increased consumer demand is needed “to encourage trained individuals to become active in the workforce”.

Additional factors that have influenced heat pump workforce size projections include poor government support, retirement and senior heating engineers being reluctant to retrain. Tony continued: “There are many obstacles in attracting qualified UK heat pump engineers and, in the heat pump market, that makes for problematic installations. 

“Suspending or even cancelling large infrastructural projects due to a lack of recognised skilled labour is arguably a bigger challenge than attracting heat pump engineers. Huge electrical grid upgrade projects face being postponed due to a gap in skilled workers able to carry out required tasks. There are numerous projects across the UK that centre on upgrading the electrical transmission grid.”

To satisfy future electrical supply and demand, the UK National Grid has announced plans for the ‘Great Grid Upgrade’ to adapt the Grid ready for the transition from fossil fuels to electrification. This will include grid connections to offshore wind and rural solar installations that allows for the easy transfer of renewable power to all corners of Britain.

The UK Government is committed to decarbonising the UK electrical grid by 2030, hence the huge levels of labour and financial investment but, for all this work to be completed, a well-motivated and professional workforce is essential. 

A workforce survey carried out by the Prospect public and private sector trade union shows 82% of workers inside the electrical sector believe staffing levels are too low, while 69% believe there is a tangible skills shortage.

Tony concluded: “For the UK to encourage domestic and commercial heat pump installation as well as complete large and meaningful infrastructure jobs, a well-motivated and professional workforce must be in place. Without a skilled selection of workers, the UK will find progress in achieving net zero targets substantially harder and the switch away from fossil fuels much more difficult. Training a new generation of engineers is integral to creating growth.”

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk