Building the Workforce for Net Zero: Why Retrofit Skills Training Matters
The UK government has released its evaluation of Phase 2 of the Home Decarbonisation Skills Training Competition. The findings highlight both the progress made and the challenges still ahead in preparing our workforce to deliver large-scale retrofit.​​
Why it matters
Achieving the UK’s net zero and fuel poverty targets relies on upgrading millions of homes. But without a skilled workforce to deliver retrofit measures, such as insulation, heat pumps, and ventilation, ambitions will remain out of reach. The evaluation shows that targeted investment in training works: over 7,300 course completions were achieved, equipping tradespeople and coordinators with essential retrofit skills.
What it implies for skills training
The report reveals strong satisfaction levels among trainees and tangible gains in technical knowledge and confidence. It also shows that cost, accessibility, and relevance remain barriers for many. Addressing these will be key if retrofit training is to attract a broader pool of workers, including SMEs and new entrants.
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What it means for the industry
For contractors and housing providers, the findings confirm that training investment leads to real business benefits. Many participants reported increased access to contracts through schemes like SHDF and BUS. A growing pool of qualified assessors, coordinators, and installers gives the sector more capacity to deliver at scale—but continued training pipelines are essential to avoid bottlenecks.
Policy implications
The evaluation strengthens the case for long-term, stable funding for retrofit skills. Short-term competitions have delivered results, but continuity is crucial if we are to sustain a workforce capable of upgrading the UK’s 28 million homes. Integrating retrofit skills into mainstream training, apprenticeships, and careers advice will help make energy efficiency a lasting part of the construction industry.