The Government has announced today that it will help fund the training of 1000 apprenticeships as part of its flagship Green Deal programme.
The
Green Deal, which will come into effect in 2012, will fund
energy efficiency measures, including insulation, heating and lighting, to Britain’s homes and businesses. The Government estimates it will support 100,000
jobs by 2015 with the potential to support up to 250,000 longer term.
"The Green Deal is about the future – and it is important we ensure that future generations have the skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities of the green economy. These apprenticeships are a perfect example of how Government and business can work together towards a low carbon future," said Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.
Scepticism
Today’s apprenticeship announcement has received the backing of leading companies, including B&Q, Carillion, E.ON, British Gas and InstaGroup, which are expecting to benefit from the supply chain opportunities being created by it. However, it has been criticised by the
green building industry lobby group, the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC), which is concerned that it does not go far enough.
"If we have the people to do the work but low take up of the Green Deal, we’ve got the HIPs fiasco all over again," said Paul King, UK-GBC chief executive."Government is right to highlight what a massive economic opportunity this could be, but for the Green Deal to be a success we need both incentives and
regulation to drive the market. That means more than nudging people in the right direction, it means setting out a date by which the worst performing homes need to be refurbished so that the industry has the confidence to invest on the scale that is necessary. Green jobs get a green light, but the drivers for the Green Deal are stuck on amber."
How it will work
The Green Deal will help support apprentice programmes currently in place, like those at Carillion and E.ON Energy Solutions. It will train apprentices in cavity and wall insulation,
energy efficient heating systems and emerging green technologies.
The Department for Business and Department for Education will provide the funding to match employer demand to train at least 1000 Green Deal apprentices aged 16 and over.
Companies who take on these young workers will also see concessions on the Green Deal installer registration fees.
"Teaching practical skills is as essential to growing the green economy," said Vice Cable, business secretary. "Without them we will be unable to take full advantage of the huge potential for economic growth the green economy offers."
"We expect The Green Deal to create major new opportunities in the energy services market," commented John McDonough, Carillion chief executive.
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Related content:
Green HR
Green policy
Green buildings
Related links:
http://www.decc.gov.uk
