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. 

 

📘 Phase 1 Evaluation Report

Access the full report:
👉 Click here to view the Phase 1 Evaluation Report

Overview

The Phase 1 evaluation assessed the delivery and outcomes of training provided under the initial round of Home Decarbonisation Skills Training Competition (HDSTC) funding. It explored:

  • Effectiveness of competition design
  • Quality of training delivery
  • Support for workforce development
  • Access to government retrofit schemes

Training Structure

Training was organised into three Work Packages (WPs):

  • WP1: Retrofit Assessor and Coordinator training (PAS 2035 standards)
  • WP2: Insulation Installation training (National Occupational Standards)
  • WP3: Heat Pump Installation training (air/ground source), including system design

Key Deliverables

✅ 8,605 course completions

📘 Phase 2 Research Survey Report

Access the full report:
👉 Click here to view the Phase 2 Research Survey Report

 Overview

Building on the findings from Phase 1, the Phase 2 evaluation explores the experiences of trainees who accessed training from October 2023 onwards. It includes:

  • Survey data from course completers and non completers
  • Follow-up interviews with Phase 1 participants
  • Insight into barriers to training, satisfaction with course delivery, and the longer-term impact on employment, skills development, and engagement with government retrofit schemes.

Training Structure

Training was organised into two Work Packages (WPs):

  • WP1: Retrofit Assessor and Coordinator training (PAS 2035)
  • WP2: Insulation Installation training (National Occupational Standards)

 

Key Deliverables

✅ 7,309 course completions

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: 

  • The effectiveness of competition design and delivery 

  • Trainee and employer experiences 

  • Outcomes in terms of skills development, employment, and business growth 

  • Engagement with government retrofit schemes 

  • Value for money and lessons for future interventions 

Across both phases, over 15,000 training places were completed, supporting the development of a skilled retrofit workforce nationwide. Independent evaluations found that the HDSTC delivered strong value for money, with evidence of job creation, improved productivity, and increased engagement with government retrofit schemes. The findings from both evaluations will inform future skills investment and support the development of a long-term strategy for retrofit workforce growth.