About the project:
Home Decarbonisation Skills Training Competition (HDSTC) Evaluation
The Home Decarbonisation Skills Training Competition (HDSTC) was launched in response to the UK Government’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, recognising that a skilled and capable workforce is essential to deliver large-scale energy efficiency and low-carbon heating upgrades across the country’s housing stock.
Funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and delivered in partnership with the Midlands Net Zero Hub (MNZH), the HDSTC aimed to accelerate the growth of the retrofit and energy efficiency workforce in England. The programme was designed to address critical skills gaps and capacity constraints in the supply chain, enabling individuals and businesses to meet the increasing demand for domestic retrofit, insulation installation, and low-carbon heating solutions.
The competition supported training providers to deliver subsidised and accredited courses, making it easier for employers and individuals to access high-quality training without prohibitive costs. It also sought to increase the number of professionals qualified to work on government-funded retrofit schemes, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, and Home Upgrade Grant.
Programme Scope
Two phases of the HDSTC were delivered between 2022 and 2024, each structured around distinct Work Packages (WPs) aligned to industry standards and national policy priorities. Training was offered to both new entrants and existing professionals, with flexible delivery models including online, in-person, and on-site training.
To understand the impact of this investment, MNZH commissioned independent evaluations of both phases, focusing on:
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The effectiveness of competition design and delivery
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Trainee and employer experiences
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Outcomes in terms of skills development, employment, and business growth
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Engagement with government retrofit schemes
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Value for money and lessons for future interventions
Phase 1 Evaluation Report
The Phase 1 evaluation assessed the delivery and outcomes of training provided under the initial round of HDSTC funding. It explores the effectiveness of competition design, training delivery, and the extent to which the programme supported workforce development and access to government retrofit schemes.
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Training organised into three Work Packages (WPs):
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WP1: Retrofit Assessor and Coordinator training to PAS 2035 standards.
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WP2: Insulation Installation training to National Occupational Standards.
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WP3: Heat Pump Installation training (air/ground source), including system design.
Key Deliverables