The Midlands Net Zero Hub (MNZH) is proud to support the delivery of the Warm Homes Skills Fund, an initiative funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
The Warm Homes Skills Programme (WHSP) is a scheme to provide grant awards to a range of training organisations in England. Appointed training providers will provide appropriate training and support to installers operating across the different Department for Energy Security and Net Zero retrofit schemes.
Supporting the supply chain this way increases the reach and quality of home energy retrofit delivery in the UK, as well as improves the rate of delivery further, enhancing Government works that aim to meet its 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation targets.
Phase 1 (2025 - 2026)
£8m of grant funding has been made available through the programme to registered training providers based in England. The aim of the programme, which is being facilitated by the Midlands Net Zero Hub, is to award funding to a range of providers with the aim of delivering accredited training to support the retrofit sector.
Through this iteration of Warm Homes Skills Programme, Further Education colleges, training academies, and manufacturer training centres can bid for up to £1m to deliver one or more of the following Work Packages:
Work Package 1: Home Retrofit professionals
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All Level 3 or 4 Domestic Retrofit Assessment recognised qualifications aligned to PAS 2035, including the combination with the Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) course.
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Level 5 Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management Assessment recognised qualification aligned to PAS 2035.
Work Package 2: Fabric Insulation and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation
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NVQ Level 2 or 3 or equivalent award in fabric insulation or Small Scale Solar PV installation resulting in a proven competency in line with PAS 2035/2030 or MCS standards; or
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NVQ Level 3 or equivalent award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings
Work Package 3: Shorter CPD and entry-level courses
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NVQ Level 2 or equivalent award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit
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NVQ Level 3 Introduction to Domestic Retrofit in line with the PAS 2035 standard.
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An award in Energy Efficiency and Retrofit of Non-Domestic Buildings in line with the PAS 2038 standard
Work Package 4: Skills for professionals working on Non-Domestic Buildings
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Training in Non-Domestic Energy Assessor skills leading to a recognised qualification aligned to PAS 2038.
Successful training providers are listed on the DESNZ website.
For more information about timelines, delivery and future funding please see the WHSP Guidance document on the gov.uk website.
The Warm Homes Skills Programme builds on insights from earlier retrofit initiatives. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) commissioned and wrote a comprehensive evaluation of the Homes Decarbonisation Skills Training Competition (HDSTC) programme, highlighting lessons learned in delivery, learner outcomes, and supply chain development. These findings have helped shape the design of current schemes, including WHSP.