The latest City & Guilds report highlights an urgent need for developing green skills across the UK workforce, revealing a 38% rise in related training.
- A total of 13,545 certifications in green skills were awarded by City & Guilds, demonstrating a proactive response to the growing demand.
- Research identifies a significant shortfall of 200,000 workers in the green energy sector, emphasizing the seriousness of the skills gap.
- Majority of business leaders see investing in green skills as vital for productivity and meeting sustainability goals.
- City & Guilds is taking steps to further enhance training opportunities, including opening a new centre for their Electrical division.
The City & Guilds Impact Report 2024 unveils a critical surge in demand for green skills within the UK. Over the past year, training numbers for these skills have increased by 38%, with City & Guilds awarding 13,545 certifications through 363 centres. This significant increase plays a crucial role in advancing the country towards its Net Zero objectives.
Studies from PWC indicate a deficit of approximately 200,000 skilled workers in the green energy sector. This gap spans various industries such as renewable energy production, electric vehicle infrastructure, waste management, and recycling. It highlights the urgent need for skilled professionals to fill these roles and ensure the UK can meet its sustainable energy targets.
Research conducted in collaboration with the Lifelong Education Institute shows that 76% of business owners advocate for increased investment in green skills. They believe such investment is essential for enhancing both immediate and long-term productivity while addressing crucial environmental and sustainability objectives. More than a quarter of UK employers recognise the absence of green skills in current positions, necessitating strategic development in this area.
Kirstie Donnelly MBE, CEO of City & Guilds, stresses the importance of developing green skills in every industry. Donnelly articulates that sustainable jobs depend heavily on skills that are both environmentally friendly and productivity-enhancing, supporting national and international commitments to Net Zero. She calls for a widespread commitment to nurturing these skills across all sectors and career stages, preparing the workforce for an environmentally sustainable future.
In a bid to further address the green skills shortfall, City & Guilds plans to establish a new training centre for their Electrical division at their London offices by February 2025. This initiative aims at creating more learning opportunities, particularly in high-demand areas such as EV car charging and air source heat pump technology.
The growing demand for green skills training underscores the critical importance of equipping the workforce to meet future sustainability challenges.
