Blocked from Learning, Barred from Recognition: Why Retrofit Training Needs a Third Route
When Karl Richardson, MD of Logicool, sat down to share his frustrations with retrofit training systems, you could say he was just venting. But when you listen to the detail - there is much more.
Karl was articulating a deep structural failure that affects thousands of technical staff across the HVAC and renewables supply chain.
His company designs systems for hotels, large commercial Air Source heating projects and also domestic and commercial AC and heating. His company supports more than £13m in product sales annually, and delivers daily technical advice.
Yet his team, despite an average of 4–5 years of experience can’t access recognised qualifications. Why? Because they don’t work on-site.
“ They’d have to leave our organisation to get qualified which makes no sense.”
This isn’t an isolated issue. It’s systemic. And it’s hurting the retrofit mission.
🧱 The Structural Barrier: Field-Only Qualification Criteria
Current NVQ and apprenticeship frameworks require on-site experience to gain certification. Office-based staff, even those performing design calculations, quoting installs, or troubleshooting systems - are locked out.
That includes:
- Technical sales engineers
- Design advisors
- Trade-counter staff
These roles are critical to the retrofit pipeline, yet go unrecognised.
📚 A Misaligned Training System
Logicool’s own apprenticeships default to generic Level 2/3 customer service qualifications, completely detached from the technical competencies their work demands.
There is no nationally standardised technical training pathway for supplier-side professionals. That omission creates downstream risk for customers, installers, and the wider system.
“You go into a trade counter and ask for advice… that person is expected to give it, but has no formal training other than what they’ve picked up from others.”
🧠 Learning on the Job - Ignored by the System
Richardson’s team includes autodidacts, late learners and neurodiverse learners. They’ve created internal support for dyslexic staff. They foster peer learning. But external providers offer nothing.
“We embrace it, and it works really well. But then you try and get them onto a course and it’s: ‘No, we can’t do anything for you.’”
⚠️ Blocked at Every Turn
- NAPIT: Rejected Logicool staff due to lack of NVQ Level 2/3 despite years of experience.
- Private providers: Same.
- Local college: “We can’t offer anything tailored.”
Even when Karl said he’d take course he knew staff would automatically fail:
“We’re happy to pay. Happy if they fail. But they won’t even let them try.”
🛠️ A Third Route Is Missing
Karl Richardson proposes a pragmatic solution: a third route within the retrofit skills system.
Instead of forcing every learner into an installer track, we should offer:
- A modular, CPD-style accreditation path for desk-based roles
- Hands-on lab access (not just PowerPoints)
- A clear progression ladder for technical advisory work
“We’re not talking about theory. Let them open a heat pump. Let them test flow rates.”
💡 Broader Implications
Many of the UK’s retrofit learners are adults with complex histories not school-leavers. Some left school early. Some are neurodiverse. Some, like Richardson’s staff, served in the armed forces and returned to learning later in life.
They all deserve a path.
“We’re the linchpin. If we give the wrong advice, it’s a disaster. But we’re blocked from formal training.”
🔁 A Collaborative Opportunity
Richardson is willing to help design a new framework. He’s open to writing content, testing with pilot cohorts, or collaborating with disruptors (we reckon Greenworkx might be a good start!) .
He believes the retrofit training ecosystem must reflect modern practice:
- Installer
- Manufacturer
- Supplier
“If one link breaks, the whole system breaks.”
🎯 What Needs to Change
Policy bodies, colleges, and training providers should:
- Develop office-based and hybrid technical training routes
- Accept modular accreditation as a valid skills measure
- Adapt for neurodiverse and adult learners
We need training that works for those who already do the work. And fast.
This interview was completed on Friday 4th July. If you are a service provider that is feeling the same way as Karl, please email your details and we'll include you in the follow up to this story in September 2025.