The introduction of a £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment is expected to ease recruitment bottlenecks in the heating industry and create career pathways for thousands of young people in England currently facing economic inactivity.
That’s the view of Paul Drew, Director of Smart Energy Training, the UK’s fastest growing energy training provider, which has 200 people ready to begin an apprenticeship when the right employer opportunity becomes available.
As of today (October 1), eligible non-levy employers recruiting a new apprentice aged between 16 and 24 may be eligible to receive up to £2,000 incentive payment from the government. This payment forms part of the wider efforts to help reduce the number of 16-24-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEETs) which, according to ONS data, currently stands at nearly one million.
Smart Energy Training has reported a sharp rise in demand for apprenticeships from learners throughout 2026 and Paul believes the payment could give more SME businesses in the sector an extra reason to recruit someone starting out in their career.
Smart Energy Training offers an array of apprenticeships, including the Gas Engineering Operative, Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician and Low Carbon Heating Technician.
Smart Energy Training is part of the Realise Training Group, which has hundreds of additional prospective apprentices seeking opportunities, including Business Administration.
Paul said: “We have seen a real surge in demand for apprenticeships from young people who are increasingly keen to start taking their first steps on a path to a long-term career.
“Across our six business units, we’ve seen particularly strong interest in Smart Energy Training and Business Skills. There are young people who want to learn a trade and others who can see an entry-level business apprenticeship as their route into the workplace.
“At Smart Energy Training and Realise alone, we have around 400 young people keen to start an apprenticeship, but they need an employer ready to give them that opportunity. The rising costs of running a business have made some owners and managers understandably cautious about recruiting, despite knowing the huge benefits apprentices can bring.
“It’s extremely encouraging to see the government taking action to try and ease what has become something of a bottleneck and give businesses the encouragement and confidence to invest in apprentices.”
As well as Smart Energy Training, Realise Training Group also supports training in Early Years, Health and Social Care, Business Skills, Adult Skills and Transport.
Paul added: “We are playing our part in helping to create opportunities for young people through apprenticeship pledges which businesses can sign up to and show their commitment to supporting the next generation.
“We have seen strong interest from a variety of sectors, including construction, transport and IT, and we are confident the incentive will encourage even more to follow suit.”
For more information, visit www.smartenergytraining.co.uk
