The Warm Homes Skills Programme funds retrofit training with 50% of costs covered, plus an additional 10% for learners with disabilities or from under-represented groups.
The Warm Homes Skills Programme, created by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and delivered through the Midlands Net Zero Hub, provides funding to address the shortage of skilled labour in the retrofit sector. Eligible employers can access 50% of training costs, with an additional 10% available for learners with disabilities or from under-represented groups*. Further funded opportunities may also be available through other government, regional, or industry schemes, in some cases making training fully subsidised. This programme helps businesses upskill staff, achieve PAS 2035 and MCS compliance, and support warmer, greener homes.
*See FAQ’s for the definition of disabilities and underrepresented groups
Substantial funding is available for the following accredited courses:
At The Verdancy Group, we are specialists in retrofit and low-carbon construction with a strong track record in sustainable construction and energy efficiency. Our accredited programmes support employers by upskilling existing staff to meet compliance requirements such as PAS 2035 and MCS, while also creating clear pathways for new entrants to gain site-ready skills. We deliver training flexibly, online via our award-winning eLearning platform, in person at our Apex training centres, or at your workplace. Our delivery is shaped around your business to keep learning accessible and minimise disruption to your daily operations, productivity, and project deadlines.
Here’s why organisations choose us:
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is the government department created in 2023 to lead the UK’s transition to a cleaner, more secure energy future. Its priorities include reducing carbon emissions, lowering household energy bills, and strengthening national energy security.
Retrofit is central to this mission. The UK has some of the oldest and least efficient housing in Europe, and upgrading homes is one of the quickest ways to cut emissions, reduce energy use, and make living costs more affordable. To deliver this at scale, the sector needs more skilled professionals and the Warm Homes Skills Programme was created to build that workforce.
The Warm Homes Skills Programme funds up to 50% of training costs, with an additional 10% uplift for learners with disabilities or those from under-represented groups. In some cases, combining this with other support can make training fully funded.
Employers may also be able to access:
CITB grants are available to registered employers and are paid on successful completion of the qualification. These can be combined with Warm Homes Skills funding to further reduce costs, and in some cases make training fully funded. For further advice and guidance, speak to a member of our team or your regional CITB Advisor.
Current CITB Grant Rates for our Warm Homes Skills Programmes:
Speak to our team today and we’ll advise you on which of these funding options apply to your organisation. We’ll calculate the maximum package available and support you through the process, so you can access subsidised or even fully funded training.
Learners must be aged 18 or over, live or work mainly in England, and be eligible for public funding. Both existing staff and new entrants to the retrofit sector can apply. Employers must also meet funding criteria, and our team will guide you through the checks.
“Underrepresented workers” means a person belonging to a group that is underrepresented in the construction labour market in relation to the specific training that is being provided, as evidenced by ONS data5. The groups that have been identified for the purposes of this programme are: women; people aged 16-25; those from minoritised ethnic backgrounds; people with disabilities. ”Workers with disabilities” means a person who has a disability as defined in the Equality Act 2010.6 This is a person with physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on their ability to do normal daily activities. Please note that in relation to age, the ONS categorisation of underrepresented persons is 16-25 but in the case of funding provided via the Warm Homes Skills Programmes, subsidies for training will be for those who are 18 and over for reasons of safeguarding’’
The Sign Up Now button is the first step in your application. It asks for some basic information, which we’ll collect to review your eligibility and funding options. Once we’ve reviewed your details, our team will get in touch to agree the next steps, confirm funding, and finalise course arrangements. It’s also a simple way to request a call back, even if you’re not ready to proceed, we can talk through your options and answer any questions you may have.
Retrofit and low-carbon construction bring together people from all walks of life, young people starting out in their careers, experienced workers looking to upskill, those changing industries, and older employees wanting to refresh their knowledge. Our training is designed to support everyone on their journey, whatever their background or experience.
Find out more and see our full list of courses here
