With news that the government is to invest £275m in technical training and apprenticeships, Labour is seeking to restore trust lost when it rolled back on its 2021 pledge to spend billions each year on a green investment plan.
In an announcement yesterday by the business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds MP, the new investment is being touted as the first step in a wider 10-year plan, looking at growing the economy by creating ‘green jobs’.
The £275m boost to training and apprenticeships applies to England and includes funding for new technical excellence colleges, and capital for major upgrades to training providers.
There is significant room for growth and opportunities for a career in green renewable heating
Russell Jones Content and communications manager
Green jobs of tomorrow
The statement talks about short courses in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital manufacturing, which are seen as key components of our green industrial future. Mr Reynolds also mentions tackling longstanding skills shortages in high-growth sectors including advanced manufacturing and battery production and storage.
The full strategy will be published later this week and in the words of Mr Reynolds, it will: “help transform our skills system … and ensure British workers can secure good, well-paid jobs in the industries of tomorrow and drive growth and investment right across the country.”
However, while AI, digital manufacturing and battery production are undoubtedly major areas for growth, these industries are still very much in their infancy here in the UK, when what the nation needs now are jobs that can help expand the economy while shrinking our carbon footprint.
And this is where the renewable industry stands ready to play a major role.
Green jobs are already here
The case for renewable heating grows stronger and stronger, as we see further electrification of the economy with more solar panels and wind turbines – including on-shore, which was frowned on by previous governments.
We are also likely to push through 100,000 heat pump installations this year, but this is a long way off the 1.6m gas boilers still installed each year.
It is also some way off getting to 450,000 heat pumps a year by 2030 as recommended by the Climate Change Committee in their 7th Carbon Budget, but this at least shows the ambition and the intention,
So, there is significant room for growth and lots of opportunities for a career in green and sustainable, renewable heating systems.
Not a NEET situation
Mr Reynolds makes his announcement against a backdrop which sees one in seven young people as NEETs – Not in Education, Employment or Training. At the same time the number of apprenticeships has fallen by nearly 20% since 2016.
The new strategy will build on previous policies such as the AI training package (£187m) announced during London Tech Week and a £3bn apprenticeship fund to create 120,000 places in construction, carpentry and healthcare.
Whilst this is a good start, the scale of the new funding, spread over four years, will need further support and the wholesome backing of manufacturers, employers and unions, if we are capitalise on the intent.
So if you know someone who would like a green career, in a growing and sustainable sector, get them to visit the government’s national careers service to find out more about becoming a renewable heat pump engineer.
Russell Jones Content and communications manager
