Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that training of individuals qualified to install heat pumps is accelerated.

The £5 million Heat Training Grant is supporting existing heating engineers in England taking training relevant to heat pumps and heat networks. Since July 2023, nearly 5,500 individuals have gone through heat pump installation training funded through the scheme. We are also supporting new entrants through apprenticeships, to build a diverse and sustainable skills pipeline.

To keep up with future demand, the Heat Pump Association estimates that we need to train at least 6,600 installers a year until 2028. Around 9,000 individuals completed training in 2024, so we are well on track with current workforce needs.