New research from Direct Line business insurance has found that three quarters (74 per cent) of tradespeople have upskilled themselves, enabling them to install green technology for clients. This comes as eight-in-ten (79 per cent) have seen increasing demand from people to install greener technology in their homes. As a result, there is an increasing demand for merchants to sell more energy efficient products.
Demand for greener technology in homes is being driven by a number of factors. Nearly two fifths (38 per cent) of tradespeople believe that people are looking for more economical technology to help save more due to the energy crisis and the increasing cost of living.
Two-in-five (39 per cent) tradespeople have seen increased demand for Wi-Fi and smart lighting installations. Other increasingly popular installations include solar panels (38 per cent), electric radiators (29 per cent), EV chargers (29 per cent), electric boilers (28 per cent), air heat pumps (27 per cent), underfloor heating (26 per cent), and electric energy storage systems (25 per cent).
Tradespeople are conscious of the benefits of upskilling. Over a third (37 per cent) say it will create opportunities for a greater array of work, 34 per cent say upskilling will make them more employable, or that they are future proofing their business and workforce. A third (33 per cent) say they are upskilling to meet client demands.
Despite the benefits, tradespeople are also facing barriers to upskilling. Almost a third (30 per cent) find that there is enough work out there without needing to upskill, while a fifth (21 per cent) do not believe it will give them an advantage, one-in-five (21 per cent) lack the time to upskill, and almost a fifth are not able to afford upskilling at all (18 per cent).
Alison Traboulsi, product manager at Direct Line business insurance, said: “With ambitious net zero targets, the skills required to install green technology will be in huge demand in the coming years. It is encouraging to see the majority of tradespeople taking proactive steps to expand their skills set to meet this growing demand. By upskilling themselves, they are demonstrating their commitment to supporting customers in their transition to greener technology.”