I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Emma Thompson, a project manager at Esh Group, to discuss the launch of three bespoke retrofit courses designed to address the widespread skills shortage in the North East. As a leading contractor and a key partner in this ambitious educational initiative, Emma shared her insights on how these courses will make students ‘industry ready’ and the broader impact on the region’s housing sector.
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Emma began by emphasising the urgent need for skilled professionals in the retrofitting sector. “The UK has some of the least energy-efficient homes in Europe, and retrofitting is essential if we are to meet our net zero targets by 2050,” she said. “However, the skills gap in this area is significant, particularly in the North East, where a staggering 3.4 million homes will require retrofitting.” These new courses are a result of a pioneering collaboration between the North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT) and industry leaders like Esh Group. The initiative aims to provide comprehensive training to both unemployed individuals looking to reskill and those already employed in the construction sector who wish to upskill. The courses are being offered by New College Durham and other collaborating institutions such as Middlesbrough College, East Durham College, and Tyne Coast College.
Emma explained that the courses are meticulously designed to align with industry standards and best practices, incorporating the latest developments in retrofitting technologies and methodologies. “We worked closely with our educational partners to ensure that the curriculum is relevant and robust,” she noted. “This collaboration means that employers can be confident that their employees will receive high-quality, accredited training.” One of the standout features of these courses is their practical focus. Participants will cover various aspects of the retrofitting process in line with the PAS 2035 quality standard, an essential certification for anyone looking to work in this sector. “The courses are not just about theory; they are designed to provide hands-on experience,” Emma added. “By the time students complete the courses, they will be fully qualified to take on retrofit projects and contribute to the region’s decarbonisation efforts.”
The courses are fully or partially funded depending on the participants’ employment status or the size of their employer, thanks to Skills Bootcamp and CITB funding. This accessibility is crucial for attracting a diverse range of candidates. “We want to make sure that these opportunities are available to as many people as possible,” Emma said. “Whether you’re unemployed and looking to start a new career or already in the construction industry and wanting to specialise in retrofitting, there’s a pathway for you.” Emma also highlighted the broader impact these courses will have on the North East. “We estimate that around 67,000 new full-time retrofit positions will be needed to meet the Government’s 2050 net zero target,” she explained. “By training the next generation of retrofit professionals, we are not only addressing the skills shortage but also creating job opportunities and contributing to the local economy.”
The enthusiasm for the courses is palpable. Sharon Grant, the director of NEIoT, has expressed her excitement about the initiative. “We are thrilled to be accepting applications for the new courses,” she said in a recent statement. “The complex nature of the retrofit process presents a substantial opportunity for people across the North East and Tees Valley, and it’s exciting to be part of the journey.” Emma echoed these sentiments, emphasising the collaborative spirit that has driven the project. “This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when education and industry work together,” she said. “We are not just training individuals; we are building a skilled workforce that will play a crucial role in the UK’s transition to a greener future.” As our conversation drew to a close, Emma reflected on the personal satisfaction she derives from being part of such a transformative initiative. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact these courses will have, not just on the participants but on the region as a whole,” she said. “We are helping to create a more sustainable future, and that’s something we can all be proud of.”
The launch of these retrofit courses represents a significant step forward in addressing the skills shortage in the North East. By providing high-quality, industry-aligned training, the initiative is poised to equip the next generation of retrofit professionals with the skills needed to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As Emma and her colleagues at Esh Group and NEIoT continue to lead the charge, the future looks promising for both the region’s workforce and its housing stock.
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