Green technology qualifications: Future-proof your built environment training offer

From retrofit to solar PV and heat pump installations, City & Guilds renewable technology qualifications provide industry professionals with the practical skills needed to support the energy transition and achieve net zero targets.

16 January 2025

The UK’s drive toward net zero by 2050 is reshaping the built environment sector, creating a growing demand for skilled professionals to upgrade existing infrastructure and deliver sustainable, low-carbon technologies.

This transformation is especially urgent, as the UK has some of the least energy efficient homes in Europe, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Solid walls, inadequate insulation, and outdated heating systems are key contributors to high energy costs and carbon emissions.

Retrofitting is a vital first step in preparing buildings for the clean energy transition. It lays the groundwork for the efficient adoption of modern energy systems, from enhancing insulation and upgrading heating controls for heat pump installations to reinforcing roof structures for solar panels.

To meet the UK’s ambitious net zero targets, the built environment sector must not only adopt new technologies but also evolve its workforce development strategies. As Steve Knight from MCS Certified highlighted in the recent Future Skills podcast, “We’re seeing people come into the sector, just not anywhere near the rate we need. There’s still a massive need for installers of homegrown energy technologies.”

This growing demand is not limited to technical installation roles. The sector increasingly requires interdisciplinary skills, from retrofit design and coordination to understanding how technologies like heat pumps, solar PV, and energy storage systems interact. “Interoperability is the next frontier,” Knight added. “We need to think in systems, generation, storage, heating, and ventilation must all work together efficiently.”


Upskilling the built environment sector workforce: New green technology qualifications

To support this, City & Guilds has introduced qualifications like the Level 4 Award for Domestic Retrofit Assessors, which aligns with PAS 2035 standards and prepares learners to assess and recommend energy efficiency improvements. These roles are critical yet still emerging. “Retrofit designers and coordinators are crucial,” said Mark Buckton from OP. “But they’re still new and not widely known, which makes it hard to attract talent into them.” 

The podcast also underscored the importance of collaboration between employers and training providers. “The foundations are there,” Knight explained. “But we need to break down artificial boundaries. Masterclasses, field visits, and real-world exposure are key to aligning training with industry needs.” 

Finally, the sector must embrace continuous professional development (CPD) to keep pace with rapid technological change. “We should expect to train every year on new technologies,” Buckton noted. “A structured CPD approach is essential to futureproof careers and ensure the workforce remains agile.

At City & Guilds, we are committed to working with training providers and colleges to develop and deliver qualifications that equip learners with the relevant skills to support the energy transition, including retrofit, heat pumps, solar PV, electrical energy storage systems (EESS) and electric vehicle (EV) charging.  

Government and Multi-Combined Authorities (MCAs) are also investing in training programmes to ensure professionals in the sector are upskilled with required continuing professional development (CPD) courses to futureproof their careers and work towards net zero goals. 

Read on to learn about our new green technology qualifications and watch our on-demand support webinars or download the qualification handbooks for more information. 


  • Level 4 retrofit assessor qualification

Retrofit assessors are essential to the transition toward more sustainable homes and lower carbon emissions. They assess properties and recommend improvements that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. 

Launched early 2025, the Level 4 Award in Domestic Retrofit Assessment (7618-04) equips learners with the skills to carry out building surveys and deliver the vital information needed to support energy efficiency upgrades. This qualification aligns with the UK’s PAS 2035 standard and is a valuable addition to our comprehensive suite of retrofit qualifications.  

Download the retrofit assessor qualification handbook 

Watch our on-demand support webinar


  • Level 3 air source heat pump installation and maintenance qualification

City & Guilds Level 3 Award in the Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pump Systems supports learners to develop the skills and understanding needed to excel in the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of air source heat pump systems (ASHPs).

This qualification covers statutory legislation, heat pump principles, system specification and design, installation, inspection, testing, and handover. Aligned with MCS requirements and the latest National Occupational Standards it’s ideal CPD for qualified heating and plumbing engineers. 

Designed for plumbing and heating engineers aiming to work with ASHPs in domestic and small-commercial settings, this qualification equips learners with all the relevant skills to deliver safe and efficient installations.

Download the air source heat pump qualification handbook 

Watch our on-demand support webinar  


  • Level 3 solar PV and EESS installation qualifications

Our Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Small Solar Photovoltaic Systems (2922-34) and Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Commissioning of Small Electrical Energy Storage Systems (2923-34) are designed to provide electricians and electrical installers with the essential skills and knowledge to work safely with these technologies.

Both qualifications are aligned with the MCS technical specification, the latest National Occupational Standards and meet the relevant industry requirements, including compliance with the Electrician Plus trademark standards.

They are recognised by the Joint Industry Board (JIB) and the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) as valid CPD for ECS Gold Card holders, whether installation, maintenance, or domestic electricians. These qualifications can be recorded in the MyECS CPD log and displayed on the reverse of the ECS card.

Additionally, they are eligible for the JIB Skills Development fund, allowing member companies to claim up to 75% course costs to support employee training and development.   

Download the solar PV qualification handbook 

Download the EESS qualification handbook


  • Enhanced: Level 3 EV charge point installation qualification

Relaunched last autumn, our enhanced Level 3 Award in the Requirements for the Design and Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations is designed to equip learners with the high-level competence and skills demanded by industry and the the evolving EV market.  

The qualification is aligned with the latest industry standards, mapped to National Occupational Standards (NOS) and supports the Electrician Plus model.

The qualification is recognised by The Joint Industry Board & Electrotechnical Certification Scheme as recognised CPD for an ECS Gold Card Installation Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, or Domestic Electrician. The qualification can be contained in the MyECS CPD record and printed on the reverse of the ECS card.  

It’s also eligible for the JIB Skills Development fund, allowing member companies to claim funding for up to 75% of the course cost for their employees.

Watch our on-demand support webinar 

Download the EV charge point installation qualification handbook