Addressing the Energy Retrofit Skills Gap: Insights from the Transforming Homes Workshop

Author: Dr Dominika Malkowska, Research Associate, University of Bristol

On Wednesday September 18th, the Transforming Homes Workshop brought together over 80 participants in an engaging online event to address the pressing issue of the skills gap in the energy retrofit sector. The event featured keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and a dynamic exchange of ideas among a wide range of stakeholders.

The workshop featured industry experts who provided valuable insights into the current state of the training in the energy retrofit sector, including:

• Charlotte Surrey from The Green Register, who highlighted their efforts in sustainable construction training and the challenges of scaling up retrofit skills for smaller contractors. She emphasised the need for accessible, practical training to bridge the skills gap, and highlighted The Green Register’s initiatives ‘Futureproof’ and ‘Retrofit West Business Support’ that integrate both online and hands-on learning to support local supply chains. Charlotte underscored the importance of building a skilled workforce and expand their training programs to meet the increasing demand for the retrofit expertise.
• Barbara Jones from School of Natural Building, who discussed a partnership with Tod College in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, aimed at training residents in sustainable retrofit techniques through hands-on courses on how to use natural materials like lime hemp plaster and wood fibre insulation. Barbara discussed how, by using the college building as a training site, participants gained practical experience, empowering them to apply these skills to their own homes. She also highlighted the need to create a model for sustainable retrofitting that benefits the community while addressing local housing challenges.
• Chris Brookman from Back to Earth, who highlighted the need to adapt retrofit systems to the current skill levels in the construction industry, characterised by a shrinking and aging workforce. Chris emphasised the importance of using easy-to-install materials that can be managed with basic skills. He expanded on wood fibre insulation, known for its thermal and moisture management properties, and ideal for both modern and older buildings. Chris advocated for simplified training, including online courses, to make sustainable retrofit solutions accessible to a broader range of contractors.
• Steve Bertasso from New Model Institute for Technology & Engineering, who emphasised the significant challenges in the UK’s retrofit sector, including the vast need for retrofitting, a shortage of skilled labour, and the high costs involved. Steve also showcased the outcomes of a year-long training initiative designed to enhance practical skills in the retrofit sector. The program, which emphasised a “fabric first” approach, combined online sessions with in-person workshops using mobile training units, achieving high completion rates and strong participation from underrepresented groups. Steve noted that the program’s success was largely due to its flexible delivery model and collaboration with industry associations.

After the keynote presentations and a Q&A session, participants engaged in interactive break-out rooms to discuss and brainstorm the main gaps in energy retrofit skills and the best ways to address them. This session stimulated dynamic discussions among participants, generating a wealth of ideas and highlighting diverse perspectives from across the industry. Key themes that emerged included:

• The Need for a Centralised Entry Point for Training: Participants highlighted the confusion caused by the multitude of training programs and certifications. There was a strong call for a single entry point to help learners identify suitable training based on their specific needs and interests.
• Building Physics and Practical Skills: A recurring theme was the lack of foundational understanding of building physics among contractors. Many participants emphasised the need for more hands-on training, especially in areas like proper insulation fitting and managing moisture issues in older buildings.
• Awareness and Outreach: Participants emphasised the need to raise public and industry awareness about the benefits of retrofitting. They highlighted that effective marketing and communication strategies are crucial to shift the perception of retrofit careers as viable and attractive options.
• Removing Barriers for SMEs: The challenges small and medium-sized enterprises face in accessing training and accreditation were also discussed, with participants suggesting that greater support is needed to help these businesses navigate the complexities of regulations and funding.

The workshop highlighted the critical need for collaboration, innovation, and targeted action to bridge the skills gap in the energy retrofit sector. By bringing together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders, the workshop fostered a shared understanding of the challenges ahead and the potential solutions that can drive the industry forward. As the event concluded, it was clear that achieving widespread energy efficiency in the UK’s building stock will require not only technical skills but also a shift in culture and perception, which requires continued efforts and the support of initiatives like Transforming Homes.

The insights gained from this workshop are fundamental to the research developed by the Transforming Homes GTE, as we explore how to share our findings with professionals and the public and turn them into targeted training to help reduce the design skills gap in home transformation.

Image credits: Dominika Malkowska