The plumbing, heating and wider energy sector faces one of the biggest workforce challenges in decades.
According to the latest Inclusion Measurement Framework published by Energy & Utility Skills, the UK’s energy and utilities sector will need to fill more than 312,000 new roles by 2030 to meet future infrastructure and net zero demands.
For those working across plumbing, heating, renewables and retrofit, that challenge is already visible.
Demand for skills in areas such as heat pumps, low temperature heating systems, solar PV, electrical energy storage and water infrastructure continues to grow, while many experienced engineers are approaching retirement age. At the same time, the industry continues to struggle to attract enough new entrants into technical careers.
The report highlights that women still make up less than 30% of the sector workforce overall, while younger workers remain underrepresented across the industry.
Importantly, the findings also suggest that while broader groups are applying for roles, representation narrows as recruitment processes progress. This raises important questions about how industries attract, support and retain future talent.
For the plumbing and heating sector, this is not simply a diversity discussion - it is a workforce issue.
The transition to low carbon heating and modern building services will require a larger, broader and more adaptable workforce than ever before. The industry cannot continue recruiting from the same limited talent pools while simultaneously discussing skills shortages and delivery pressures.
Flexible training routes, adult upskilling opportunities and clearer progression pathways will all play an important role in widening access to technical careers.
At ProTech Education & Assessment, we believe practical skills development must remain at the centre of the conversation. Whether supporting experienced installers to upskill into renewables, helping individuals transition into training and assessment roles, or creating accessible progression opportunities within the sector, developing the future workforce will require collaboration across industry, employers and training providers alike.
The full Inclusion Measurement Framework report is available from the Energy & Utility Skills website and can be viewed here.