80% Funded Retrofit Training with DESNZ & Warm Homes Skills Programme

Looking for funded training to become a Retrofit Coordinator or Assessor? Now is the time.

The Retrofit Academy is excited to announce that three of our award-winning courses are now available with 80% of the cost covered by UK government funding across England, thanks to the Warm Homes Skills Programme and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

This part-funded training creates clear pathways into the industry, whether you are brand new to retrofit or ready to step into a leadership role, at a fraction of the cost.

The Warm Home Skills Programme funding applies to the following courses:

Every funded place includes:

Places are limited.



What is the Warm Homes Skills Programme?

The Warm Homes Skills Programme was created to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing retrofit: the shortage of trained people. By covering most of the training cost, it opens the door for more people to access the qualifications they need.

Funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the 2025/26 programme injected £8million into the retrofit sector to provide subsidised training for up to 9,000 installers and retrofit professionals. 

For learners, this means access to high-quality training at a fraction of the usual price. For employers, it creates a steady pipeline of professionals who can deliver projects confidently and to national standards. 

For the UK, it means greater progress towards net zero with the added benefit of lower energy bills and healthier homes.

What is DESNZ (or DfESNZ)?

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ or DfESNZ) is the government department responsible for guiding the UK towards a cleaner, more secure energy future. Created in 2023 under Rishi Sunak, its work focuses on reducing carbon emissions, lowering household bills, and strengthening energy security.

Retrofit sits at the centre of that mission. The UK has some of the oldest and least efficient housing in Europe. Upgrading homes so they are warmer, greener, and more affordable to run is one of the fastest ways to cut demand and deliver progress towards net zero. But to achieve this at scale, we need skilled professionals – and that’s exactly what this funding is designed to support.

DESNZ logo - UK Government Crest above text - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Funded Retrofit Training with DESNZ & WHSP – Courses

Level 3 Domestic Energy Assessor and Level 4 Retrofit Assessor Combined Course

This is your opportunity to become a TrustMark-accredited Retrofit Assessor – even if you have no prior experience.

The programme combines two essential qualifications:

  • Level 3 Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA): Learn how to assess the energy efficiency of residential properties and issue Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
  • Level 4 Retrofit Assessor: Build on this foundation to carry out full Retrofit Assessments in line with upcoming British Standard BS 40104.

Course Overview:

  • 5 months to complete
  • 80% funding available
  • Includes 12 months’ Professional Membership, TrustMark Accreditation, along with support into employment through our Work Placement programme, all at no extra cost



Level 4 Retrofit Assessor Course

Designed for existing Domestic Energy Assessors (DEAs), the Level 4 Award in Domestic Retrofit Assessment offers all the knowledge and skills required by British Standard PAS 2035 to conduct in-depth Retrofit Assessments.

Developed in partnership with Professor Richard Fitton, who is leading work on the upcoming standard BS 40104, this course equips you with the knowledge and skills to help homeowners, landlords, and residents make choices that reduce their carbon footprints, lower energy costs, and make their homes more sustainable.

Course Overview:

  • 3 months to complete
  • 80% funding available
  • Includes 12 months’ Professional Membership, TrustMark Accreditation, along with support into employment through our Work Placement programme, all at no extra cost



Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management

The UK’s premier qualification for professionals ready to lead domestic retrofit programmes and project delivery. Designed for those with experience in housing, construction, or design, this Level 5 Diploma prepares you to coordinate projects, manage risk, and ensure compliance at scale. Those that hold this qualification will meet the British Standard PAS 2035’s requirement to become a TrustMark accredited Retrofit Coordinator. 

By completing this course, you will become fully qualified and accredited – ready to address the challenges and grab the opportunities that await.

Course Overview:

  • 5 months to complete
  • 80% funding available
  • Includes 12 months’ Professional Membership, TrustMark Accreditation, along with support into employment through our Work Placement programme, all at no extra cost



Why Take Advantage of DESNZ & WHSP Funding?

This is more than just discounted training; it’s an investment in your career and in the UK’s net-zero future. By enrolling on a Retrofit Academy course through the Warm Homes Skills Programme, you can:

  • Save up to 80% on course costs
  • Gain qualifications recognised across the industry
  • Access ongoing membership and employability support
  • Contribute directly to tackling climate change and fuel poverty

For employers, it is also an opportunity to upskill staff at a subsidised cost and ensure your team is ready to deliver retrofit at scale in line with national standards.

Why Train with The Retrofit Academy?

When it comes to retrofit training and membership, we’re the original and the best. We’ve been shaping this industry since 2016 – pioneering high-quality training and supporting the UK’s leading local authorities and contractors.

Here’s why thousands of professionals choose us:

  • Accredited and award-winning: Our qualifications are Ofsted-inspected and Ofqual-regulated, with awards recognising their quality and impact.
  • Trusted by employers: From housing providers to local authorities, leading organisations look to us as their training partner of choice.
  • Proven track record: More than 8,000 learners have trained with us – including over 3,000 Retrofit Coordinators.
  • Expert tutors and coaches: All our courses are delivered by practitioners with real-world retrofit experience.
  • Best-in-class support: From enrolment to graduation, and beyond, our team is there to guide you every step of the way.
  • Flexible online learning: Our blended model means you can study at a pace that fits around work and life.
  • Support into practice: With TrustMark accreditation, Professional Membership, and our exclusive Coordinator Into Practice bridging course (a free 15-hour programme for new Retrofit Coordinator graduates), we make sure you’re not just qualified, but fully ready to deliver.

We don’t just hand out certificates. We help you build a career – with the knowledge, recognition, and ongoing support you need to thrive in the retrofit sector.


Apply Now – Places for Funded Retrofit Training Are Limited

Whether you are just starting out or ready to take the lead, this funding is a unique chance to gain the skills and accreditation that will define the future of retrofit.

Related Posts