More coordinated approach needed for Net Zero Future Skills

This is the view of academics whose ongoing research at Coventry University is looking to understand the commercial and sector-specific barriers of training and reskilling of workforces to deliver decarbonisation.

The project, supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Clean Futures Programme, is looking to explore the current landscape by engaging with over 100 employers, including E.ON and Unipart Manufacturing, through a series of workshops, deep dive interviews and surveys.

Due to be released mid-September, the report will detail key recommendations that will need to be addressed to ensure there is a more collective and aligned approach to creating the right skills ecosystem for Net Zero Future Skills.

This potentially will include standardised training programmes and qualifications, clear routes to employment for people entering the sector, and a flexible approach to delivery.

There have also been discussions about creating a Green Skills Hub to support growth in energy production and storage, advanced manufacturing, automotive, future mobility and low-carbon industries.

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In a statement, Deepak Farmah, director of the Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems at Coventry University, said: “This level of research, in this particular space, has never been done and we are already seeing some interesting features that have to be addressed if the UK is going to lead the world in Net Zero.

“A ‘Skills for a New Economy’ report revealed that it would take each person in the West Midlands 13.2 weeks of dedicated training to be fit for a green job. This puts our region as the one with the most challenges ahead of it and this is exacerbated when you consider that many sectors are dominated by micro businesses and small to medium employers.

“How can they give staff that amount of time off to reskill and retrain? It’s just not going to happen on its own, and we must address this.”

He continued: “That is just one of our early findings and there will be lots more to come in September. The intelligence we are gathering is going to be crucial to shaping the UK’s move to Net Zero Future Skills.”

This latest project is being developed by Edale Consulting and has brought together the views of employers, training providers, academics and accrediting bodies involved in Net Zero.

Interactive workshops and deep dive interviews have formed the first part of the research, with a survey now underway to gain the biggest possible response. The final report is intended to be published during September.

To take part in the survey, please visit https://edale.app/net-zero-future-skills-survey/