An initiative providing free heat pumps to trainee installers seeks to tackle skill gaps and accelerate adoption of low-carbon heating technologies
The free heat pump scheme for installers showed improvements in confidence and understanding of the technology(Image credit: Getty Images)
A pilot scheme designed to boost the number of qualified heat pump installers has released its first findings.
The programme offers newly trained heating engineers a free air source heat pump to install in their own homes, providing practical experience in a controlled environment.
Early results suggest this hands-on approach may improve installers’ confidence and technical skills, potentially smoothing the path to wider heat pump adoption across the UK.
Pilot project tests hands-on training approach
The 'Start at Home' pilot began in November 2023, involving 40 heating professionals new to heat pump installation.
Half of the participants were given the opportunity to install an air source heat pump in their own homes, gaining practical experience in a controlled, low-risk setting. The other half formed a comparison group, continuing with standard training and industry entry.
The aim was to determine if this “learning by doing” approach could accelerate installers’ confidence, technical skills, and credibility when entering the heat pump market – a sector considered critical to meeting the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
Findings show increased confidence, technical knowledge
Half of those who took part are now seeking full accreditation to help install heat pumps into other homes(Image credit: Getty Images)
Nesta’s newly released report indicates participants who swapped a gas boiler for an air source heat pump reported improved confidence and deeper technical understanding in system design, heat loss calculation and commissioning.
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Living with the heat pump allowed them to gain ongoing insights into performance and user experience, knowledge they could share with future customers.
Around half of those who installed a pump at home are now exploring routes to full Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation, proving the experience may also help meet professional standards required in the retrofit market.
Scaling up and next steps
Following positive initial results, Nesta is working to expand the 'Start at Home' approach nationally.
The organisation is engaging with manufacturers, trade bodies, certification schemes, and local authorities to support the launch of independently run 'Start at Home' programmes.
Nesta plans to continue evaluating the impact of these programs to refine best practices.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
