How can we Unlock Green Skills to Help Achieve Net Zero?
The West England Mayoral Combined Authority has set its goal to net zero carbon by 2030 and have highlighted the importance of installers and everyone in the industry identifying new green skills and jobs.
The West of England, being at the forefront of the development of green skills for installers is essential for the transition to achieve net zero by 2030. Green skills and jobs are growing and are now becoming more wide-ranging with industries working towards a net zero future.
To transition towards a greener economy and meet the West of England’s net zero target, developing green skills is essential. This also creates brand new opportunities for homeowners and businesses, which requires already existing industries and tradespeople to transition to low carbon ways of working.
This transition requires existing jobs and new green skilled jobs to reduce emissions to help create clean energy and transport, protecting nature and strengthening the West of England’s climate resilience.
50,000 new jobs required to meet net zero targets
Research which has been commissioned by the West England Mayoral Combined Authority highlights the increasing urgency of green skills in the area. Up to 50,000 new jobs would be needed in the region to successfully meet net zero by 2030. The retrofit sector needs to create around 14,000 new green jobs to reduce carbon emissions from heating the homes in the region, including heat pumps, solid, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and renewable energy.
What are green skills?
The West of England defines green skills as “the knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a society which reduces the impact of human activity on the environment”.
They are normally associated with sectors that will and are playing a major role in reaching net zero gas emissions by 2050 in the United Kingdom.
Jobs in this space are known as “green jobs” that will help create functions, responsibilities, conditions working practices and business processes which contribute to the 2050 goal .
Skills Funding and Projects
The West of England’s employment and skills plan helps to put the spotlight on green skills as a key focus across a variety of funding and projects. The skills programme has been made to create a fair and inclusive transition which addresses gaps and supports inclusive learning opportunities.
Retrofit West Training
Looking to level up your Retrofit skills? At Retrofit West, we’ve forged partnerships with top-notch training providers and colleges to provide a range of accredited courses and training opportunities. From comprehensive qualifications to focused toolbox talks and top-up training sessions, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in the field, our offerings cater to all skill levels and backgrounds. Our aim is simple: to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the world of Retrofit.
TrainingThe Green Futures Fund
The Green Futures Fund offers financial support for innovative green careers and curriculum-related projects in schools and colleges. A significant part of these activities is specifically designed for young people facing additional barriers, such as those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The goal is to enhance young people’s awareness and motivation to pursue green career pathways and opportunities.
Adult Skills Fund
The West of England’s Adult Skills Fund collaborates with leading training providers across the region to offer training and support to residents, especially those in low-paid roles, unemployed, or economically inactive. We are partnering with these providers to develop green skills training programmes, ensuring more residents acquire the skills needed to help achieve our net zero targets.
Skills Bootcamp
The West of England’s Skills Bootcamp collaborate with employers to provide free training opportunities, enhancing sector-specific skills. Learners can either fast track to an interview with a local employer or advance their careers with their current employer.
Growth Hub
The Growth Hub offer Green Business Support, which is a useful guide to increasing sustainability in your business. This ongoing project also finds ways to access funds and workforce development opportunities for your business to start the transition to net zero.
What’s next?
As climate change intensifies and the urgency to achieve net zero grows, the demand for green skills will continue to rise. At Retrofit West, we are committed to promoting and developing these essential skills through our various skills pathways and activities.
For more information regarding the West England Mayoral Combined Authority Green Skills.
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