Jerry Whiteley, technical manager at CIPHE, says on Fix Radio that many of the installers they've spoken to now only undertake heat pump work, not gas installations.

He does add that heat pump training has a long way to go, as colleges are adopting a 'wait and watch' approach, with many sitting on the fence.

"There's a lack of trainers, and people with industry experience are crucial. Manufacturers are now sponsoring training providers. Last year, MSC offered a £2,000 grant to employers per apprentice taken on. It plans to do the same this year," says Jerry. 

MCS also offers training providers £ 10,000 grants to help them develop facilities for delivering practical low-carbon heating training.

Regarding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), Jerry notes that removing the planning barriers to installing heat pumps for households in England will be key this year.

He informs that the Government is adding another £30 million to the BUS and pouring another £30 million into the Heat Pump Investment Accelerator competition this year.

It also provides a £5 million going into the heat training grant for installers. "The Government has also committed to almost doubling the budget for BUS to £295 million for 2025/26. This is massive. There's a total allocation of £1.5 billion up to 2028," Jerry notes.

"If you want a job with a sustainability angle and good income, get involved in the heating market. Because there's billions of pounds being poured into this sector."

Listen to the full podcast on Spotify here.