UK Tradespeople Investing In Energy Efficiency Training

• Tradespeople say two thirds of the jobs they carried out this year were focused on energy-saving.
• More UK tradespeople are investing in energy efficiency training to build their businesses.

A new survey* by leading retailer for the trade Screwfix has found that UK tradespeople feel more confident in their energy efficiency knowledge than ever, helped by an 8% rise in training courses being completed in the last year.

The survey also revealed that two thirds (66%) of all jobs conducted by the nation’s tradespeople over the past year have had an energy saving focus. Up from just over half (54%) in 2023** as more homeowners are motivated to make the switch to energy saving products, to help them save money on energy bills.

With rising consumer demand for energy saving solutions, tradespeople are committing to further training so they can offer customers the best-informed advice and product choice.

More than 600 tradespeople took part in the survey, with 25% of those completing in-person training and a further 15% completing training online that was focused on installing energy efficient products or renewable energy technology. As a result, 90% of tradespeople say they now feel ‘very knowledgeable/somewhat knowledgeable’ when it comes to advising customers on energy efficiency – compared to 84% in 2023.

Earlier this year, Screwfix launched its Voice of the Trade report – which revealed that more than 75% of tradespeople felt upskilling would have a positive impact on their business. However, almost 40% were unable to upskill due to lack of time.

Energy efficiency jobs

The survey also revealed that tradespeople are being asked to undertake a range of energy saving jobs. Lighting continues to top the list at 54%, followed by the installation of new radiators (37%). In 2024, smart thermostat installation (33%) and central heating maintenance (29%) have overtaken loft insulation (23%) as the next most popular job.

When asked which potential government-led incentives would encourage more homeowners to invest in energy efficient measures, 61% of tradespeople said energy efficiency grants for home improvements – the same as in 2023. The removal of VAT on labour also remained a popular choice, rising to 35% this year from 33% in 2023.

Green Star to aid effective solution choice.

To support tradespeople, Screwfix added the Green Star mark making it easier to identify products that offer at least one sustainable feature. Green Star products, from energy saving lighting to smart thermostats, taps and TRVs, can all help to lower impact on the environment. This can range from being manufactured from recycled materials or designed to help homeowners reduce their energy bills.

Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, said: “As energy price concerns continue to worry consumers across the UK, increasing numbers of tradespeople are responding by arming themselves with the training and knowledge needed to deliver an informed service for their customers. 

“With two thirds of tradespeople saying that the jobs they take on are now focused on energy saving – a figure that has almost doubled in the past two years – it is clear that energy efficient solutions are fundamental to build business and deliver added value.

“These findings also align to the findings of our Voice of the Trade report, which revealed that whilst tradespeople overwhelmingly saw the benefits of upskilling – they were being held back by lack of time and support. This is why we’re calling on the UK government to consider policy changes that support tradespeople upskilling, particularly in areas of sustainability and low carbon technology.

“Screwfix has an important role to play in ensuring we offer unbeatable value for the innovative product solutions that tradespeople need, to help them get their energy efficiency jobs done quickly, affordably, and right first time. To help them, we’ve also invested in the number of products we offer with a Green Star badge, which has doubled to 3,000, making it easier than ever to choose a product that can make a difference.”

For more information, please visit www.screwfix.com

* The 2024 Screwfix Energy Efficiency Survey polled 629 UK tradespeople to understand attitudes towards energy efficiency in the industry.

** The 2023 Screwfix Energy Efficiency Survey surveyed 599 UK tradespeople.

Source : Screwfix

Image : Shutterstock / 91065659 / ponsulak

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