The UK is racing toward its Net Zero 2050 target, and retrofit sits at the centre of that ambition. With 80% of the homes that will exist in 2050 already built, decarbonising the UK’s ageing housing stock is a critical challenge. Yet, even as demand for retrofit accelerates, the training infrastructure to support this transition is falling short.
Further education colleges are under immense pressure to deliver skilled workers for a sector that is evolving rapidly. But despite best efforts, many are struggling with demand for course sign-ups. This article explores 9 key reasons why the UK’s retrofit skills gap persists, and how targeted, industry-led solutions can begin to close it.
1. Rapidly Changing Policy Landscape and Standards
Retrofit is shaped by evolving standards such as PAS 2035, updates to Building Regulations (e.g. Part L), and fluctuating government incentives. These frequent shifts make it hard for colleges to:
- Keep curricula up to date
- Train staff on new practices
- Secure stable funding aligned with long-term policy goals
According to the National Retrofit Hub, uncertainty in regulation and funding is one of the top barriers to scaling retrofit in the UK. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) found that training providers cited policy instability as a major hurdle in delivering effective retrofit courses.
To address this, the government must provide clearer roadmaps for policy changes. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has begun consultations on long-term skills strategies, but more concrete timelines are needed to help colleges plan effectively.
2. Short-Term Funding Cycles
Funding for retrofit training often arrives in the form of short-term pilots or one-year schemes. This makes long-term planning nearly impossible for FE colleges, which require consistency to:
- Hire or upskill trainers
- Invest in retrofit bays or tech
- Build multi-year training programmes
The Green Jobs Taskforce (BEIS & DfE, 2022) calls for longer-term investment to build sustainable training ecosystems. However, a 2024 report by the Association of Colleges (AoC) revealed that 72% of colleges had to cancel or delay retrofit courses due to uncertain funding.
A potential solution lies in multi-year funding commitments, such as those proposed under the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), which aims to provide stability for skills development in priority sectors like retrofit.
3. Shortage of Retrofit Trainers
Retrofit requires hands-on knowledge of systems like ventilation, insulation, and heat pump installation. But colleges face an urgent lack of qualified trainers who have real-world retrofit experience.
This is exacerbated by:
- Low transition rates of industry experts into teaching
- Inadequate ‘train-the-trainer’ programmes
- Lack of sector-specific Continuing Professional Development (CPD) pathways
According to a Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) report, 58% of colleges struggle to find qualified instructors.
4. Outdated or Inaccessible Equipment
Many colleges lack access to:
- MVHR units and insulation demo kits
- Retrofit-specific diagnostic tools like blower doors or thermal cameras
Without this equipment, training is overly theoretical and disconnected from real industry needs. According to a 2025 study by City & Guilds, 61% of respondents said it’s difficult to access funded training, pointing to a significant gap in provision.
5. Complex Nature of Retrofit
Retrofit isn’t just one skill, it’s a system of interrelated practices involving:
- Fabric-first approaches
- Moisture management
Most current courses teach these topics in isolation. Few colleges have the capacity to deliver holistic, systems-based training that aligns with PAS 2035 and real project scenarios.
The Construction Leadership Council has urged providers to adopt whole-building training approaches. A pilot programme by the Energy Systems Catapult showed that integrated training improves learner outcomes by 40%, highlighting the need for systemic change.
6. Weak Industry-College Links
Too often, colleges operate without strong local partnerships with retrofit employers. This leads to:
- Low placement and employment outcomes
- Curricula that don’t match real job demands
- Missed opportunities for co-designed courses
The Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) highlight the need for deeper employer engagement in course design. For example, in Greater Manchester, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has successfully linked colleges with retrofit employers, resulting in a 30% increase in job placements.
7. Low Awareness Among Young Learners
Green careers like retrofit are still poorly understood among school leavers. A report by Green Alliance and the Learning & Work Institute reveals that only 22% of 16- to 23-year-olds have been informed about green jobs, and 87% don’t understand what ‘green skills’ mean.
Despite this, 73% of students surveyed expressed interest in learning about sustainability. Initiatives like STEM Ambassadors and The Careers & Enterprise Company are working to improve awareness, but more targeted outreach is needed.
8. Competition with Traditional Trades
Retrofit competes for learners with well-established trades like plumbing or electrical work but offers unclear progression routes. A 2023 study by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) found that 60% of construction students were unaware of retrofit career paths.
To address this, Skills England has developed dedicated retrofit apprenticeship standards, which could help clarify career opportunities.
9. Pressure to Deliver High Volumes
With targets like 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028, pressure is surging, and colleges are at the centre of this; having to deliver volume quickly without sacrificing quality.
The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) has called for better quality assurance frameworks to ensure consistency in training outcomes.
What’s at Stake?
The Climate Change Committee (2023) warns that workforce shortages are a major threat to achieving net zero goals. The construction sector needs at least 200,000 more skilled workers by 2030, and retrofit forms a major share of that figure.
If colleges can’t scale fast enough, the UK risks:
- Missing retrofit targets
- Failing to decarbonise existing homes
- Losing public trust in the energy transition
How Quantum Training Is Helping
At Quantum Training, we work closely with colleges, employers, and local authorities to design and deliver retrofit training that works. Our solutions include:
- Installing hands-on training facilities
- Delivering train-the-trainer programmes
- Developing industry-aligned courses
- Supporting career awareness initiatives
Conclusion: A Systemic Challenge, a Collaborative Solution
Closing the retrofit skills gap requires stable policy direction and funding, modern facilities, upskilled trainers, strong industry links and a national awareness campaign for retrofit careers. By working together, we can build the workforce needed for the UK’s green transition.
Explore our work and training solutions:
https://thequantumgroup.uk.com/green-skills-training/
FAQ: Retrofitting, UK Net Zero, and the Green Skills Shortage
1. What is retrofitting, and why is it important for the UK?
Retrofitting refers to upgrading existing buildings to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance comfort. This includes measures like insulation, heat pump installation, and airtightness improvements.
The UK has some of the oldest housing stock in Europe, with 19 million homes needing upgrades to meet Net Zero targets. Since 80% of 2050’s homes are already built, retrofitting is essential for:
- Cutting household energy bills (average savings of £400-£700/year, Energy Saving Trust)
- Reducing the UK’s 17% carbon emissions from homes (BEIS, 2022)
- Creating 500,000+ jobs by 2030 (Green Alliance)
2. What is the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target?
The UK legally committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 under the Climate Change Act 2008 (Amendment) Order 2019. For buildings, this requires:
- All homes to reach EPC Band C by 2035 (Heat and Buildings Strategy)
- 600,000 heat pumps installed annually by 2028 (DESNZ)
- 15% reduction in building emissions by 2030 (Carbon Budget 6)
3. Why is there a green skills shortage in the UK?
The UK faces a critical shortage of workers trained in retrofit and low-carbon technologies due to:
A) Training gaps:
- Only 12% of construction tutors have retrofit experience (ETF, 2023)
- 42% vacancy rates for retrofit trainers (CITB)
B) Awareness issues:
- 87% of young people don’t understand “green skills” (Green Alliance)
- Retrofit careers are less visible than traditional trades
C) Funding challenges:
- 78% of retrofit training relies on short-term funding (AoC)
4. What jobs are available in the retrofit sector?
The retrofit workforce spans multiple roles:
| Role | Skills Needed | Average Salary |
| Retrofit Coordinator | PAS 2035, project management | £40,000-£55,000 |
| Heat Pump Installer | F-gas, plumbing/electrical | £35,000-£50,000 |
| Insulation Specialist | Building physics, materials | £30,000-£45,000 |
| Retrofit Assessor | Energy auditing, software | £32,000-£48,000 |
(Sources: NOCN, Construction Skills Network)
5. How can I get retrofit training?
A) Attend courses at colleges such as:
- Level 2 Diploma in Retrofit (NOCN)
- Level 5 Retrofit Coordinator (Retrofit Academy)
B) Attend Short courses at colleges or training providers such as:
- Heat Pump Installation (2 weeks, BPEC)
- Airtightness Testing (3 days, ATTMA)
C) Enrol in Apprenticeships such as :
- Retrofit Specialist (Level 3) launching 2024 (IfATE)
- Low carbon Heating Techician Apprenticeship (Skills England)
Funding options:
- Free courses via National Skills Fund
- £500-£1,000 grants from Local Energy Hubs
6. What’s stopping more people training in retrofit?
Key barriers include:
A) Financial:
- Trainers earn 25-40% less than industry roles
- Course fees (£1,200-£3,500) deter career changers
B) Practical:
- Colleges lack training equipment
- Short placements (only 41% of colleges offer them)
C) Perception:
- 60% see retrofit as “just insulation work” (CIOB survey)
7. How is the government addressing the skills gap?
Recent initiatives:
- £18m Strategic Development Fund for facility upgrades
- Green Skills Bootcamps (free 12-week courses)
- Local Skills Improvement Plans and Funds (employer-led training)
- Warm Homes Skills Programme
- £275 million investment in skills and education as part of Governments 10 year Industry Strategy.
Critics argue progress is too slow. The Climate Change Committee warns current plans only meet 60% of 2030 workforce needs.
8. What can homeowners do to support the retrofit workforce?
- Advocate for training: Ask installers about staff qualifications
- Support local colleges: Donate old equipment (e.g., boilers for training)
- Educate themselves on the benefits of Retrofitting and support myth busting
9. Where can I find reliable retrofit career advice?
- National Careers Service: Green careers guidance
- Retrofit Academy: Career pathways
- Green Jobs Taskforce: Report & resources
- Contact specialised job brokerage companies: Greenworkx
10. What’s the future of retrofit jobs?
The sector is projected to grow 15% annually until 2030 (CITB), with particular demand for:
- Heat pump engineers
- Retrofit coordinators
- Fabric first specialists
Salaries are expected to rise 20-30% as demand outstrips supply (Building Futures).
Key Takeaways:
- Retrofitting is critical for Net Zero and creates high-quality jobs
- Training shortages stem from funding, equipment, and awareness gaps
- New government programmes aim to boost skills, but more urgency is needed
- Homeowners can drive quality by choosing accredited professionals
If you’re a college or training provider looking to deliver Retrofit training opportunities:
