Technicians who have completed renewable energy courses may be expecting to see plenty of work in the future, after climate change minister Greg Barker made it clear that the retrofitting of green devices will go ahead no matter what.

Speaking at the Retrofit Salford 2011 event last month, Mr Barker explained that he would prefer to offer people incentives for making their homes more energy efficient.

However, he stressed that if they are still "resistant" to new measures then the government may have to resort to castigation, which suggests tradesmen who have completed professional training such as renewable energy courses will be needed for the initiative even if the public response is not favourable.

"Certainly we don't rule out other types of incentives particularly - then eventually [there will be] sticks as well," said the MP.

Last month, consumers were told they could save hundreds of pounds by taking simple steps to try to cut waste and recycle more.

Want to know more about renewable energy courses