In today’s blog, we’re talking about air source heat pump installation, and how new installers can gain real-world experience quickly. One major challenge many face after qualifying is getting that crucial first install under their belt.

That’s where the Start at Home scheme comes in. Recently piloted by Nesta and SNIPEF, this initiative gives new engineers the chance to carry out a heat pump installation in their own home. It’s a practical, no-pressure way to build confidence and put new skills into practice.

Why Real Air Source Heat Pump Installation Experience Matters

It’s no secret that getting hands-on experience after heat pump training can take time, especially for sole traders or smaller firms. While the learning doesn’t stop in the classroom, many new installers need that first real world job to build confidence.

That’s why initiatives like Start at Home are so valuable, helping bridge the gap between training and practice, and giving new entrants the momentum they need to build momentum.

How the Start at Home Pilot Supports First-Time Installers

The Start at Home pilot, run with 36 heating engineers in Scotland, took a novel approach, offering newly qualified installers the opportunity to fit an air source heat pump in their own home. By removing the pressure of working for a paying customer, the scheme allowed participants to apply their training in practice, build confidence with the technology, and progress more quickly toward MCS-readiness. Crucially, it also helped strengthen their credibility with future customers.

Breaking Barriers to Air Source Heat Pump Installation

While GRE didn’t run or contribute to the scheme, we see Start at Home as fully aligned with our mission: to provide not just high-quality training, but a clear path into the renewables sector for working installers.

We know from experience that confidence and opportunity go hand-in-hand, and that supported access to real installs can be a game changer for new engineers.

What Happens Next

Following the success of the pilot, multiple organisations are now exploring how to roll out Start at Home-style schemes in their own regions. Nesta has even launched a dedicated website to help installers compare what’s available, and guide local bodies or manufacturers looking to create their own version.

It’s a promising step forward, and one we hope continues to grow.

Train with GRE: Learn Air Source Heat Pump Installation the Right Way

At GRE, we’re committed to helping installers not only get qualified, but thrive in the long term. That’s why all of our heat pump courses are hands-on and fully aligned with MCS standards. We also offer access to the £500 Heat Pump Training Grant and take care of all the admin so learners can focus on the training itself. Beyond that, we’re constantly championing ideas that break down barriers to real-world application. Schemes like Start at Home show what’s possible when practical support follows training, and we’ll continue to advocate for initiatives that help more engineers take that crucial next step.

Get started today – click here. 

References:

Nesta. (2025, June). Start at Home: How to upskill heating engineers with a fully funded installation at home. https://www.nesta.org.uk/press-release/groundbreaking-project-gives-free-heat-pumps-to-installers-to-supercharge-uks-transition-from-gas/

SNIPEF. (2025). Upskilling installers with real-world heat pump experience. https://www.snipef.org/

MCS. (n.d.). Becoming an MCS certified installer. Retrieved July 16, 2025, from https://mcscertified.com/installers/becoming-certified/