Green skills fund
Project Brief
UKSPF Interventions - E39: Green skills courses to support transition to net-zero
Context
Upskilling of the workforce and transformation within the jobs market is critical to the delivery of net zero.
The UK needs to have access to a skilled workforce with expertise in green skills such as low carbon construction, electrification of transport, low carbon energy generation, and sustainable land management.
Research suggests that Lancashire is likely to have the highest number of low carbon jobs of any area of the country over the next decade. However, skills training to match the needs of low carbon and sustainability has been limited.
Many businesses, especially SMEs, are unprepared for the challenges and opportunities that the transition to net-zero will bring. On top of this, some businesses do not see this as a priority, and it is often missed from workforce training and recruitment strategies.
Programme Outline
This project aims to equip individuals working in sectors that are key to the net-zero transition with the skills they need to operate and maintain low carbon technologies. Additionally, the project seeks to support organisations and businesses to build an awareness of net-zero and embed low carbon practices within their organisational strategies and processes.
The project should deliver a wide range of courses to support the net zero transition and maximise the opportunities it presents. It should focus on key sectors and technologies including the installation and maintenance of heat pumps, installation of retrofit and insulation in the construction sector, and installation and maintenance of electric vehicles. In addition, the programme should provide a wider range of bespoke interventions to support niche trades and supply chains involved in the transition to net-zero. Different trades and sectors have particular needs, and this must be considered by the successful applicant.
Courses covering relevant digital skills (such as using software for carbon monitoring) and training for procurement operatives may be included in this.
The programme must take a two-tier approach to delivery of priority sector skills. One route must be available for operatives and trades people who are already qualified and working in plumbing, construction, and motor vehicle repair. Another route must be available for those undertaking skills training for the first time or re-skilling from other occupations.
Alongside a focus on key sectors, the project should look to support businesses to adapt to the net-zero transition and embed low carbon practices within their organisation. Courses and training for supervisors, managers and those in strategic positions could be offered to assist them in identifying and maximising opportunities to shift towards low carbon modes of operation.
The project should also include 'train the trainer' delivery to increase the capacity to deliver green skills programmes in the future.
Course delivery should be either in person or through a blended approach; where online learning is offered as an alternative to face to face delivery we would expect this to be supplemented with one-to-one assessment and support for the learner.
The project should offer a range of course lengths, with most leading to formal qualifications, but the project can also deliver less formal top-up skills and knowledge where appropriate.
The East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce are currently delivering business support for the transition to net-zero. It is important that the appointed provider of this green skills project liaises with the Chamber of Commerce throughout the duration of the project. This will include collaboration on promotion of the courses, and referral of SMEs and employees into the courses.
Funding for this programme should only be used where Adult Education Budget funding cannot be accessed for tuition fees.
Financial Profile
| Capital | Revenue | Total Expenditure |
|---|---|---|---|
Year 24/25 |
| £167,821 | £167,821 |
Outputs* | |||
Number of people supported to participate in education. | 230 | ||
Number of people in employment engaging with the skills system | 150 | ||
Number of people attending training sessions | 230 | ||
Number of people supported to gain a qualification. | 175 | ||
Outcomes* | |||
People gaining a qualification or completing a course following support. | 193 | ||
* The output and outcome figures shown are the minimum which Preston City Council expects the available funding to deliver. Applicants applying for the full amount would be expected to meet these targets as a minimum. Where an applicant is applying for a share of the funding, we expect outputs and outcomes to be delivered in proportion to the share applied for. | |||
Project Timeline
- Date of launch for commissioning - 8 November 2023
- Deadline for receipt of applications - 15 December 2023 at 17:00
- Notification of whether applications have been successful - 8 January 2024
- Issuing of grant agreements, commencement of projects - 1 April 2024
- Project end - 31 March 2025
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