The UK’s journey to Net Zero by 2050 depends heavily on transforming its ageing housing stock. With 80% of homes that will exist in 2050 already built, retrofitting these properties to make them energy efficient is critical. To support this challenge, the PAS 2035 framework was introduced, setting clear standards for domestic retrofit projects. But with higher standards comes a growing need for skilled professionals. This article explains what PAS 2035 is, why it matters, and why colleges, employers, and training providers must act now to close the UK’s retrofit skills gap.
What is PAS 2035?
PAS 2035 is the British Standard for domestic retrofit, created by the British Standards Institution (BSI) as part of the UK Government’s Each Home Counts review. It sets out a whole-house, fabric-first approach to retrofit.
The framework ensures that retrofitting is carried out safely, consistently, and effectively. It covers every stage of a retrofit project, from assessment to design, installation, and evaluation.
Core Goals of PAS 2035:
- Improve the energy efficiency of existing homes.
- Reduce carbon emissions in line with Net Zero targets.
- Protect residents’ health and safety, avoiding issues like damp or poor ventilation.
- Ensure high-quality, long-lasting retrofit work.
Why PAS 2035 is Essential for the UK’s Net Zero Goals
From residential to commercial buildings, the UK’s built environment is responsible for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.
By following PAS 2035, the UK can significantly reduce emissions from homes while improving living conditions. Retrofitting will also help tackle fuel poverty, as energy-efficient homes are cheaper to heat.
The government has set ambitious targets:
- 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028.
- All homes to achieve EPC band C by 2035, where practical
Meeting these goals depends on a workforce with strong retrofit skills trained to PAS 2035 standards.
Table 1: Key Roles Defined in PAS 2035
PAS 2035 introduces several new roles to improve project accountability and quality. Each role requires specialist training and qualifications.
| Role | Description | Training Required |
| Retrofit Coordinator | Oversees retrofit projects, ensuring compliance with PAS 2035 at every stage. Acts as the main point of contact for clients and regulators. | Level 5 Retrofit Coordination & Risk Management (NOCN or equivalent). |
| Retrofit Assessor | Surveys homes and gathers data to assess their current condition and energy performance. | Level 3 Retrofit Assessor qualification. |
| Retrofit Designer | Creates design plans for energy-efficient upgrades, ensuring a whole-house approach. | Relevant design or construction qualifications. |
| Retrofit Evaluator | Evaluates the success of completed retrofit projects, checking outcomes against PAS 2035 standards. | Retrofit evaluation training or CPD. |
Note: Every PAS 2035 project must have a qualified Retrofit Coordinator, making this one of the most in-demand roles in the sector.
Why Retrofit Skills Are in High Demand
The introduction of PAS 2035 has increased demand for skilled workers in construction, energy, and sustainability.
1. A Massive Workforce Shortage
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that the UK will need an additional 250,000 workers by 2028 to meet demand.
For retrofit specifically:
- 29 million homes in the UK will need retrofitting by 2050
- The construction industry is expected to require up to 230,000 workers in retrofit-related roles by 2030.
- Colleges and training providers must rapidly expand green skills courses to meet this demand.
2. Growing Government Funding and Support
Retrofit is central to government-backed programmes such as:
- Home Upgrade Grant (HUG): Funding energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households (Ended in March 2025)
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): Grants of up to £7,500 to encourage heat pump installation.
- Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF): Supporting FE colleges to develop facilities and training for green skills (Ended in March 2025)
These schemes are creating a surge in demand for qualified workers who can deliver projects to PAS 2035 standards.
3. Whole-House, Fabric-First Approach
Unlike older retrofit schemes, PAS 2035 uses a whole-house approach. This means that every aspect of a building must be considered, including:
- Airtightness & Ventilation
- Insulation
- Moisture control
This creates a need for multi-disciplinary training, where workers understand how different systems interact.
| Old Approach | PAS 2035 Approach |
|---|---|
| Single measures (e.g., just adding insulation). | Whole-house plans covering all systems. |
| Limited accountability. | Clear roles and quality checks at every stage. |
| Short-term fixes. | Long-term, sustainable improvements. |
Challenges Colleges Face in Delivering Retrofit Skills
Further Education (FE) colleges are at the forefront of training the next generation of retrofit professionals. However, they face significant challenges in scaling up delivery.
1. Outdated Training Facilities
Many colleges still lack hands-on training bays for retrofit technologies such as:
- Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
- Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs)
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)
- Solar PV and battery storage systems
Without this equipment, learners miss out on practical experience that employers demand.
2. Shortage of Retrofit Trainers
Colleges struggle to recruit tutors with both industry experience and teaching skills.
Over half of colleges that responded to Association of Colleges’ (AoC) enrolment survey have waiting lists for full-time construction courses.
Quantum Training addresses this challenge through our Train-the-Trainer programmes – a course accompanying the installation of our low-carbon and retrofit training bays –equipping staff with the knowledge to deliver PAS 2035-aligned courses and help learners understand renewable technologies better.
3. Short-Term Funding Cycles
Funding for green skills programmes often comes in short bursts, making long-term planning difficult. The National Retrofit Hub has called for 10-year funding strategies to ensure stability and growth.
How Quantum Training Supports PAS 2035 Delivery
At Quantum Training, we are driven to address the UK’s Green Skills shortage by providing world-class training solutions in sustainable building practices. Our custom-built Training Bays provide realistic working environments where learners can apply their knowledge and develop practical skills in installing and maintaining green technologies and retrofit installations.
Our renewable & retrofit courses courses empower students, apprentices, engineers, career changers, and even college tutors with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the growing green economy.
Our Key Offerings:
- Custom Training Bays
- ASHP, GSHP, Solar Thermal, and Electrical Ecosystem training bays comprising.
- Fully aligned with PAS 2035 standards.
- Installed at FE colleges nationwide, including Reading College, Cornwall College, and Northampton College.
- Train-the-Trainer Programmes
- Upskilling college staff to teach retrofit and low carbon technologies effectively.
- Covering airtightness, ventilation, moisture management, and fabric-first approaches.
- Curriculum Development
- Co-designed courses with NOCN Group, including Bootcamps and SWAPs.
- Aligning course content with employer and industry needs.
- Career Awareness
- Outreach events to inspire young people to pursue careers in retrofit and sustainability.
Explore our case studies to see how we’ve transformed college facilities across the UK.
Career Opportunities in Retrofit
PAS 2035 has created new and exciting career pathways. Here are some of the roles seeing the highest growth:
| Job Title | Average Salary (UK) | Growth Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Retrofit Coordinator | £40,000 – £55,000 | Very high |
| Heat Pump Installer | £30,000 – £45,000 | High |
| Retrofit Assessor | £32,000 – £50,000 | High |
| Energy Efficiency Advisor | £28,000 – £38,000 | Moderate |
With starting salaries over £30,000, these careers are attractive to both young learners and experienced tradespeople looking to reskill.
Steps for Colleges to Align with PAS 2035
Colleges looking to deliver PAS 2035 training should focus on:
- Assessing Local Skills Needs
- Work with Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) to identify employer demand.
- Work with Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) to identify employer demand.
- Upgrading Facilities
- Install retrofit training bays for practical real-world learning.
- Install retrofit training bays for practical real-world learning.
- Upskilling Staff
- Enrol tutors in teacher training programmes to build internal expertise.
- Enrol tutors in teacher training programmes to build internal expertise.
- Engaging Employers
- Co-design courses with local retrofit businesses to ensure job readiness.
- Co-design courses with local retrofit businesses to ensure job readiness.
- Promoting Retrofit Careers
- Run taster sessions and outreach events to attract new learners.
PAS 2035 and the Future of Green Skills
PAS 2035 has transformed the retrofit landscape, setting a new standard for quality and accountability. But without a skilled workforce, the UK will struggle to meet its Net Zero ambitions.
FE colleges play a vital role in equipping learners with the knowledge and experience to deliver whole-house retrofits. With the right facilities, funding, and partnerships, they can lead the way in closing the skills gap.
Quantum Training’s Mission: Building the Next Generation of Green Professionals
Quantum Training exists to create lasting change in the UK’s skills landscape. As the country works toward its Net Zero 2050 target, there is a pressing need for a workforce that not only understands sustainability but can actively deliver it. Our mission is to equip learners with future-ready skills so they can meet the demands of a low-carbon economy.
We work with FE colleges, training providers, and employers to bring cutting-edge, low-carbon technologies into the classroom. By designing and installing tailor-made training facilities, such as retrofit bays, solar PV systems, and electrical ecosystem units, we ensure that learners gain valuable hands-on experience. These facilities help learners move beyond theory and develop the confidence to work with modern tools, technologies, and processes.
By creating strong links between education and employment, Quantum Training supports colleges in closing the UK’s green skills gap. This helps employers find job-ready candidates while giving learners a clear pathway into meaningful careers in areas like retrofit, renewable energy, and sustainable construction.
Our goal is to prepare today’s learners to become tomorrow’s leaders in the green economy, driving forward the innovations and projects that will transform how the UK builds, powers, and lives.
Explore Our Solutions
Learn how Quantum Training can help your college deliver PAS 2035-aligned training facilities and courses.
FAQ: PAS 2035 and the Demand for Retrofit Skills
1. What is PAS 2035 and why is it important?
PAS 2035 is the British standard for domestic retrofit projects. It sets out a framework for improving the energy efficiency of homes in the UK. It ensures retrofits are planned and delivered to high standards, protecting both residents and the environment while supporting the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target.
2. Who needs PAS 2035 training?
Anyone involved in retrofit projects, including retrofit coordinators, assessors, designers, and installers, should understand PAS 2035. It’s especially vital for FE colleges training the next generation of workers in sustainable construction and low-carbon technologies.
3. Why are retrofit skills in such high demand?
The UK must decarbonise 27 million homes by 2050, and retrofit is central to this mission. With the government aiming to install 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028, there’s a growing need for skilled workers who can deliver safe, efficient upgrades.
4. How does PAS 2035 support quality and safety?
PAS 2035 ensures every retrofit project considers the whole building, including ventilation, insulation, and moisture management. This holistic approach helps avoid common issues like damp and poor air quality.
5. How can colleges deliver PAS 2035-aligned training?
By partnering with experts like Quantum Training, colleges can install state-of-the-art training bays and access curriculum support. This prepares learners with hands-on experience and aligns courses with PAS 2035 standards.
6. What roles are created by PAS 2035?
The standard has introduced new specialist roles such as Retrofit Coordinator, Retrofit Assessor, Retrofit Designer, Retrofit Installer, and Retrofit Evaluator. These roles require specific qualifications and are essential for compliant retrofit projects.
7. How does PAS 2035 benefit homeowners?
Homeowners benefit from better energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and improved comfort and air quality. It also ensures that retrofits are safe, sustainable, and add long-term value to their homes.
8. Where can I find PAS 2035-compliant training?
Training can be accessed through accredited providers and FE colleges equipped with modern facilities. Quantum Training works closely with colleges to create state-of-the-art retrofit training bays, ensuring learners gain both theoretical and practical experience.
