Summary findings

The report features an analysis of the progress made in retrofit skills development between 2023 and 2024 and what can be done to close the gap. It highlights the essential need for a ‘National Retrofit Strategy’ to build a skilled workforce capable of retrofitting millions of homes for improved energy efficiency. This involves aligning training, funding, and policy interventions, including:

• Expanding and supporting retrofit training, including integrating retrofit skills into all construction courses
• Raising SME awareness and incentivising their participation
• Setting a higher bar for quality by mandating training for professionals working on retrofit schemes.

Green Skills Advisory Panel (GSAP) and NOCN Group

The report also features case studies including a focus on the establishment of the Green Skills Advisory Panel (GSAP), originally set up by Exeter College and supported by NOCN Group, to address the challenge of retrofitting 40,000 homes in Exeter. GSAP in the south-west, brings together building services, housing and construction businesses with government agencies, charities and training providers. There are a large number of GSAPs setting up in England and wales and a national board has been established.

In the report Luke Moss, Exeter College’s skills and employer project manager, explains what this has meant for the college:

“Our training provision is directly shaped by the priorities of our valued stakeholders. Using insights gathered through GSAP Summits and skills surveys, we have developed a clear skills strategy focused on key areas such as retrofit, insulation, renewable technologies, and water conservation. We’ve designed entirely new courses, including our insulation programmes, tailored for the existing workforce requiring upskilling to meet PAS:2030 standards. By collaborating with industry bodies such as INCA, SWIGA, and 2021 CLOSING THE RETROFIT SKILLS GAP NIA, along with the awarding body NOCN Group, we have created programmes that reduce barriers to training while fostering accreditation.”

GSAP has since launched a National Partnership Board that presented a timely opportunity to establish the strategic vision for GSAP. The ambition is to establish a UK-wide framework to upskill the current workforce and educate new entrants to adopt emerging technologies, consider the environmental impact of construction activity and identify how industry can help meet net zero targets. It is an approach that is attracting interest internationally, and new partnerships are being forged through the British Council.

NOCN Group offers a range of retrofit skills solutions and its strategic partnership with training provider Quantum Group involves ‘working together to bring practical skills and courses to the built environment’ and collaborating on initiatives that help learners gain the essential green skills needed for a sustainable future.

Read the full report HERE.