The shift to cleaner energy is creating thousands of new jobs installing solar panels, heat pumps, EV chargers and insulation across the UK. Free green skills training is one of the fastest ways in, with funded green Skills Bootcamps, apprenticeships and college courses that cover solar energy, heat pumps and wider energy efficiency.
You do not always need a trade background. Some roles, such as domestic energy assessor or insulation installer, are open to beginners, while others – like heat pump or solar PV installation – are quicker to reach if you are already a plumber or electrician.
This guide maps out the main green jobs, the free and funded courses that lead to them, and the best path depending on where you are starting from.
Green jobs in demand
Electricians adding solar skills
Heating engineers upskilling
Qualified electricians
Open to beginners
Survey and project roles
Producing EPCs
Free and funded ways to train
- Green Skills Bootcamps (England): free courses of up to 16 weeks for adults 19+, covering areas such as solar installation, heat pumps, retrofit and green construction, depending on your area.
- Apprenticeships: including electrical, plumbing and heating, and low-carbon heating technician routes, with no tuition fees.
- Free Courses for Jobs: selected Level 3 qualifications for eligible adults, including some energy and building services courses.
- Heat pump training discounts: grants and manufacturer offers have reduced the cost of heat pump courses for existing heating engineers.
- Employer-funded training: many installers train new staff on the job, especially in insulation and retrofit.
Choose your starting path
- Pick a green Skills Bootcamp or entry-level course
- Gain site safety training and a CSCS card
- Start as an insulation, retrofit or installer’s mate
- Progress to a trade apprenticeship or assessor qualification
- Electricians: solar PV, battery storage and EV charging courses
- Heating engineers: Level 3 heat pump and low-temperature design
- Builders: retrofit and external insulation courses
- Consider MCS certification to work on funded schemes
Retrofit roles explained
Government-funded energy upgrades follow the PAS 2035 retrofit standard, which created new roles. A Retrofit Assessor surveys homes and gathers data (often via a Level 4 qualification), while a Retrofit Coordinator oversees whole projects (typically Level 5). Domestic Energy Assessors produce Energy Performance Certificates. These roles suit people who prefer surveying and planning over hands-on installation.
Tips for choosing a green course
- Check the course leads to a qualification from a recognised awarding body (LCL Awards, BPEC, City & Guilds, NOCN).
- Ask how much is practical, hands-on training.
- Confirm entry requirements – some installer courses require an existing electrical or plumbing qualification.
- Ask which employers recruit from the course.
Course routes based on GOV.UK and Department for Education information.
Independent guide – not linked to any training provider.