Leaders from GTEC, NIBE, and Logic4training have welcomed the reforms, highlighting the critical role of skills development in driving the UK’s green transition.
Ready to support the green skills transition
Griff Thomas, managing director for GTEC & Heatly, part of the United Living Group, praised the Skills England report for emphasising the shift to net zero and its impact on UK jobs, particularly in carbon-intensive industries like plumbing and heating.
“Skills England’s first report makes for exciting reading for anyone in the building services sector. The report highlights that the transition to net zero will affect around one in five UK jobs, with a specific shift from those currently working in ‘carbon intensive’ industries – plumbing and heating engineers are a prime example.”
He also welcomed the creation of the ‘Office for Clean Energy Jobs‘ to ensure the workforce is prepared for net-zero targets. “Training is required from the bottom-up, as outlined in apprenticeship reforms also released yesterday, which will hopefully provide more flexibility to both learners and employers.”
He affirmed GTEC’s readiness to support the transition with renewable upskill qualifications, adding, “At GTEC, we are ready to support the government in these ambitions… something we are working on alongside our majority shareholders, United Living Group.”
Heat pumps and training at the heart of the green transition
Paul Smith, managing director for NIBE, highlighted the importance of the Skills England report for advancing the green economy, particularly the role of heat pumps and renewable technologies.
“Music to NIBE’s ears is the repeated mention of heat pumps and renewables in general, and the requirement to upskill existing workers to realise the benefits of a low-carbon future,” Smith said.
Smith emphasised the importance of manufacturer-led training, explaining how NIBE’s product-specific qualifications are helping the industry transition.
“Training is at the heart of this report, something that we are passionate about. All our product training is free to level 3 qualified heat pump installers and we are an approved Heat Training Grant provider,” he added.
Support for SMEs and apprenticeships
Mark Krull, director of Logic4training and LCL Awards, praised the Apprenticeship Levy reforms for their potential to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and apprenticeships. He also called for further financial support for sole traders and small businesses.
“In the future, I would like to see every employee and sole trader have access to financial support towards training, independent of the employer they work for.
“Small businesses and the self-employed make up a huge proportion of the construction sector and are absolutely crucial to the UK economy and the transition to a low-carbon future.”
He highlighted the importance of apprenticeships in building skills capacity, concluding: “Apprenticeships remain one of the best ways to cost-effectively grow a business while offering apprentices unrivalled on-the-ground experience that just can’t be taught in a classroom.”
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