Industry must add 12,000 people a year to meet net zero 2050 targets
A report by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Green Jobs Task Force has revealed the extent of ‘levelling up’ required to meet the UK’s Net Zero Carbon target by 2050.
Leading electrotechnical and engineering services body ECA broadly supports the measures outlined in the report to increase investment in renewable energy, electricity networks, smart technologies and retrofitting existing building stock. However, ECA finds the recommendations in the report too focused on private sector support.
The organisation believes the onus should be on the Government to support the ‘levelling-up’ of the industry’s workforce and the efficient and safe installation of low-to-no-carbon technologies. Luke Osborne, ECA’s Energy Solutions Advisor, said, “There is an enormous amount to accomplish in an ever-shorter timeframe. We will need all hands on deck to get at least 12,000 new workers properly trained every year for the next four years to meet estimated demand. It is critical that, as an industry on the front line of the climate crisis, we get this right.
“As well as more Government-led funding, we must ensure the right training is accessible to everyone who wants to join the fight against the climate crisis, wherever they live in the UK. Access to high quality training and skills should not be a postcode lottery.”
Andrew Eldred, ECA’s Director of Employment and Skills, said, “Getting the electrotechnical industry ready to support the efficient and safe installation of new technologies shouldn’t just be down to individuals, as this report implies.
“In a sector where 93% of all businesses employ just nine people or less, we need stronger collaboration between industry, Government and education to achieve a huge uplift in the number of apprentices and career changers coming through.
“Compared to other trades, electrotechnical does well to secure around 6,000 new apprentice starts most years - 85% with small, non-levy employers. This is just a fraction of the numbers hired in Germany. Current recruitment rates fall well short of the demand for net zero-ready workers.”
This article was originally submitted as a press release from ECA. It was received on 13 September 2021.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles
Featured articles and news
The continued ISG fall out, where to go?
Support for ISG contractors, companies and employees.
New HES national centre for traditional building retrofit
Announced as HES publishes survey results which reveal strong support for retrofit.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Expected to become one of the largest activities in the global construction industry.
The ECA industry focus video channel
Keeping update with the industry session by session.
Over 25 recorded informations sessions freely available.
AT Awards 2024 ceremony East London October 25th.
Revisiting the AT community at the 2023 awards evening.
The Community Housing Fund and built affordable homes
CLTN reviews the impact of the Fund and calls for extension.
The grading system of the Regulator for Social Housing
A background, an explanation and ten recent enforcements.
Construction, repair and maintenance. Book review.
Putting new life into a city with a 1900 year history.
BSRIA Briefing 2024: Sustainable Futures speakers
Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living 22 Nov.
Wall of support for post-Grenfell regulation of electricians
Call for a shake-up of the construction industry highlighted on radio.
Digital sustainability through future AEC tools
Bringing together industry and academia to meet challenges.
Skills gap for net zero highlighted to Minister for Industry
ECA convenes roundtable discussion at Portcullis House.
Evidencing Net Zero with the new UK buildings standard
Pilot version with detailed excel proforma out now!
Scottish Building Safety Levy, in consultation
From direct remediation and the RPDT, to the costs and alternatives.
Waves of warmer homes grants for the rental sector
Boosting energy efficiency standards for all rented homes.
A refocus of the National Planning Policy Framework
Key terms described in brief, as the consultation closes the evening of the 24th.
Fortified farmhouses of the unruly 16th-and 17th-century borders.