Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 46
46
Accepted
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The present shortage of workers in the energy efficiency and retrofit sector is chronic, given...
Conclusion
The present shortage of workers in the energy efficiency and retrofit sector is chronic, given the overall timetable for decarbonisation of properties. This is a point we have repeatedly emphasised in our recent reports. Significant skills gaps also exist in the measurement of embodied and whole-life carbon and the use of low- carbon materials. On the evidence before us, the Government has not yet responded adequately to our recommendations to develop a retrofit strategy and programme to encourage the development of relevant green skills across the construction trade.
Government Response Summary
The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has spent almost £6 million on a skills training competition which delivered around 7000 training opportunities for the energy efficiency and low carbon heating supply chains and are developing options for further funding. The Government also previously provided £4.7 million of funding to six local supply chain demonstration pilots.
Paragraph Reference:
233
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government recognises the need for a skilled, competent and robust supply chain to deliver the improvements to buildings necessary to meet our net zero targets. The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has spent almost £6 million on a skills training competition which delivered around 7000 training opportunities for the energy efficiency and low carbon heating supply chains. We are developing options for further funding. The Government have also previously provided £4.7 million of funding over a period of two and a half years to six local supply chain demonstration pilots which tested innovative approaches for supporting and growing the energy efficiency installer supply chain. Going forward we intend to monitor the market and its response to our interventions, and are considering options to work with the industry to support training in key skills shortage areas and new routes of entry to increase capacity. Many of our plans to bridge this gap are represented in the strategies and programmes referenced below, in response to recommendation 47.