The Renewables Centre launches to help traditional heating engineers embrace the shift toward low-carbon technologies.
The Renewables Centre launches to help traditional heating engineers embrace the shift toward low-carbon technologies.
As the heating sector undergoes rapid transformation, Wolseley Group has taken proactive steps to support the installer community with the launch of its Renewables Centre – a nationwide initiative created to help traditional heating engineers embrace the shift toward low-carbon technologies.
With increasing customer interest in renewable options and mounting industry and policy pressures, the timing couldn’t be more critical. The new initiative is more than just a training programme – it’s a fully integrated package to equip heating professionals with the skills, tools and confidence needed to transition into the renewables space, starting with air source heat pumps.
Margaret Major, Managing Editor for Oil Installer spoke with John Hancock, Chief Operating Office at Wolseley Group to find why the centre offers a unique opportunity to installers of traditional heating solutions.
According to John, the centre’s launch is in direct response to growing installer interest paired with industry challenges:
“We’re seeing strong growth in heat pump demand, but still only around 10% of installers are actively working in renewables. Another 30% are interested – but interest alone doesn’t lead to action. The barriers have been cost, complexity, and lack of confidence.”
Installers, particularly from oil and gas backgrounds, are often hesitant about retraining. The upfront cost of courses, lost earnings while off the tools, and paperwork-heavy schemes like MCS can feel overwhelming. Wolseley’s Renewables Centre aims to change that.
John sees the renewables market as one that is gaining real momentum but still in its early stages, particularly among traditional heating engineers.
While younger installers and those taking over family businesses are showing growing interest, many experienced professionals remain hesitant due to the perceived complexity and disruption. John highlights that heating is deeply personal and essential – it’s not just about systems, it’s about comfort, safety, and daily life, especially in colder months. That’s why the trust between homeowner and local installer remains vital.
However, he’s also candid about the challenges, pointing to inconsistent government policy as a major barrier to confidence and investment. “You can’t expect people to commit to change when the goalposts keep moving,” he notes.
John is clear that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to decarbonising home heating. With the UK’s diverse housing stock and varying regional needs, he believes a mix of technologies – heat pumps, biofuels, district heating, and more – will be essential.
He also stresses that improving fabric efficiency is critical to unlocking the full potential of any low-carbon system.
Beyond technical solutions, John points to the need for a shift in consumer perception, arguing that the focus should move from climate fear to the positive lifestyle benefits of renewables. He also calls for urgent action on electricity pricing, describing the current spark gap as a barrier to adoption and long-term savings.
With many of these issues out of Wolseley’s control it is addressing the ones it can in the form of the new training centre.
For John, building consumer demand and installer capability must go hand-in-hand, and that means stability, support, and a shared commitment across the industry.
What sets the Renewables Centre apart is its all-in-one support model. As a partner brand to Plumb Centre, and backed by Wolseley’s acquisition of Renewable Equipment Solutions (R.E.S), the offering goes far beyond training.
“It’s not just about the classroom,” John explains. “We’ll walk installers through their first installs – handling the design, the MCS paperwork, even the logistics. We want them to be confident and profitable.”
John, who started his career in the trade by driving a delivery van and now oversees all customer-facing operations at Wolseley, understands firsthand the value of practical, trusted relationships:
“Most installers are incredibly skilled at what they do. But switching from a combi boiler to a heat pump install is a different world – and that leap can be intimidating. We’re here to make it manageable.”
The training programme is designed with flexibility and accessibility in mind. Local centres – beginning in Shrewsbury and Swansea – will ensure travel is minimised. Wolseley is also launching a loyalty programme to incentivise installers to complete their first renewable job.
With 68,000 trade customers and one of the UK’s largest distribution networks, Wolseley has access to real-time market insight. They’ve designed the Renewables Centre based on direct feedback from their installer base.
“We’ve listened. We know installers hate the admin. They’re frustrated by the paperwork for BUS funding. They want products that are available when they need them – and yes, they want to make money too. We’ve built a solution that addresses all of this.”
Logistics support is also built in, recognising that unlike boilers, heat pumps can’t be easily picked up and thrown in the van. Staged deliveries, product storage and a seamless supply chain will be part of the package.
Wolseley is clear that the shift to renewables isn’t something any single business can tackle alone.
“We’ve got to work as an industry – manufacturers, merchants, installers and bodies like MCS. We’ve already started that journey with the partnerships we’re building through the Renewables Centre,” John says.
There’s also recognition that while many new installers are entering the market with renewables as their default, real growth will come from converting the existing skilled workforce.
“We’re not just launching a training centre. We’re building a movement – one that brings installers with us and ensures they stay at the heart of the heating industry’s future.”
Installers interested in transitioning into renewables or growing their low-carbon expertise can learn more at www.wolseley.co.uk/renewables-centre. Courses are live, support is in place, and the tools to take your next step are ready and waiting.
• Free accredited training
Image provided by Wolseley
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