Why Green Skills Are the Fastest-Growing Route into a Trades Career in Hampshire

1. Growing Local Demand for Green Trades in Hampshire

Why This Creates Opportunity for You

• Traditional trades such as plumbing, electrical, and heating are evolving to include solar PV, retrofit and air source heat pumps areas where demand is rising faster than supply.

• Green work offers long-term stability, as homes and businesses require ongoing retrofit and energy-efficiency upgrades.

• Local employers are actively seeking candidates with green skills, meaning less competition and faster access to job opportunities.

2. What “Green Skills” Mean in a Trades Context

Green skills in the trades refer to hands-on installation, maintenance and upgrade capabilities that support low-carbon, energy-efficient systems.

Key components include:

• Solar PV installation and battery storage systems

• Air source heat pump installation and maintenance

• Building retrofit, insulation, and heating efficiency upgrades

• EV charging point installation and low-carbon transport infrastructure

• Awareness of energy efficiency standards, sustainable materials, and circular economy principles

In short, if you are already considering a trade career, adding green skills can help you stand out, future-proof your work, and increase your earning potential.

3. Why This Route Is Growing Faster Than Other Trades Pathways

Several factors make green trades training the fastest-growing career route in Hampshire:

• Funding and Support: Local programmes via SERT and Havant Borough Council make green skills training more accessible and affordable.

• Skills Shortages:The industry is experiencing a shortage of tradespeople trained in low-carbon technologies, creating high demand, competitive salaries and strong job security.

• Policy and Regulation: Government incentives for retrofitting and renewable energy installations are driving rapid expansion across the green economy.

• Career Flexibility: Green trades cover both new-build projects and retrofit work, ensuring steady opportunities regardless of market changes.

• Local Accessibility: For residents of Havant, Fareham and Portsmouth, local training centres and funded courses make this career path especially achievable.

4. How to Get Started: A Local Action Plan

If you are ready to explore a green trades career in Hampshire, it’s important to understand the right starting point, as entry requirements vary depending on your background and chosen specialism.

Step 1: Identify Your Trade Base

Green technologies build upon existing trades.

• If you are an electrician, you can progress into solar PV, battery storage, or EV charging installation.

• If you are a heating engineer, plumber or HVAC technician, you can progress into air source heat pumps.

• If you are new to the industry, consider starting with entry-level retrofit or energy efficiency courses, which can provide a foundation for progressing into green technologies later.

Step 2: Choose Your Green Specialism

Once you have your trade foundation in place, decide where to focus:

• Solar PV and Battery Storage - for qualified electricians.

• EV Charging Points - for qualified electricians with additional EV-specific certification.

• Air Source Heat Pumps - for qualified plumbers, gas engineers, or HVAC professionals.

• Retrofit and Energy Efficiency - for new entrants or existing tradespeople looking to broaden their work scope.

Step 3: Select a Trusted Local Training Provider

Choose a training provider that understands local industry needs and offers accredited qualifications. SERT’s Whiteley Training Centre delivers hands-on green skills courses aligned with Hampshire employers and national standards.

Step 4: Check for Funded or Subsidised Training

Many green skills courses in Hampshire are supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in partnership with Havant Borough Council. If you live or work in the PO7–PO11 area, you may qualify for £250 off selected courses.

Step 5: Build Industry Connections

Engage with local renewable energy companies, retrofit specialists and construction firms. Even a short placement or work-shadowing opportunity can help you apply your training and strengthen your CV.

5. Why SERT Is the Ideal Training Partner

When choosing a training provider, you need local credibility, employer connections, and a proven track record - that’s exactly what SERT offers:

• A Hampshire-based training centre in Whiteley, serving Havant and the South Coast

• Courses in solar PV, battery storage, air source heat pumps and retrofit

• A recruitment division connecting learners to live green economy vacancies across Hampshire

• A commitment to inclusive training, supporting school leavers, career changers and experienced tradespeople alike

With SERT, you are not just gaining a qualification; you are stepping into one of Hampshire’s fastest-growing and most future-focused career routes.

6. FAQs for Havant Area Learners

Conclusion: Take the Next Step with SERT

Book Your Funded Green Skills Training with SERT

Call: 01489 232090
Email: info@sert.work