Following the launch of the Construction Industry Training Board’s updated Net Zero Action Plan, chief executive Tim Balcon examines the work being done to equip the UK with the skills for a sustainable future
Creating a sustainable environment is an issue I am extremely passionate about.
The consequences of climate change affect everyone and are becoming increasingly visible in the form of intense droughts, severe fires, rising sea levels, melting polar ice and declining biodiversity, to name a few.
We also know that the risks presented by these issues will continue to increase for society.
I feel, as leader of CITB, a deep responsibility to ensure we operate in a way my grandchildren would want me to so that the world we leave them is one they can enjoy in the same way my generation has.
Our mission is to empower the construction industry with the skills, training and tools required to transition towards a net zero future.
40% of UK emissions come from the built environment
The UK government has set a path to net zero by 2050, with the devolved governments in Wales and Scotland working towards targets of 2050 and 2045 respectively.
Current data tells us that 40% of UK emissions come from the built environment, meaning the construction industry has an immense role to play in helping the UK reach net zero.
It presents a sizeable challenge but as an industry, we’re already making solid headway. Construction employers recognise the need to decarbonise – with three-quarters saying it’s important or very important to them or their company.
Seventy per cent have a good understanding of how they may need to adapt their business, while 90% are willing to retrain if necessary.
There is also a wealth of opportunity in embracing the journey to net zero. Alongside the Green Jobs Delivery Group, we are supporting the creation of up to 480,000 skilled green jobs in England by 2030. The impact of that, the social value we can create, is massive.
What is the Net Zero Action Plan?
As part of this work, we have recently updated our Net Zero Action Plan, which was first published in September 2022.
We were told greater clarity was needed on the skills required to prepare for net zero, so we have detailed the steps we are taking to lay the foundations that will support the industry in the coming years.
Crucially, this plan is dynamic and long-term. It will continue to develop as it becomes clearer where the skills demands are.
The early stages of the Net Zero Action Plan are focused on four key areas:
- Research and analysis: Building an understanding of the skills the industry needs.
- Standards and guidelines: Making sure they give clarity to industry, workers and training providers and ultimately lead to qualifications.
- Training: Investing across the industry to ensure the right skills are available in the right place.
- Collaboration: Working with governments and industry partners to put in place the right support and investment.
Investment in training and upskilling of our existing workforce will be essential to decarbonising but we also know that a long-term, visible pipeline of work is needed to give businesses and training providers the confidence to invest in skills and training.
What funding is in place to support businesses with becoming net zero?
Skills & Training Fund
The Skills & Training Fund provides grants of up to £25,000 for businesses with up to 250 employees. This includes training to upskill your workforce to meet the requirements of net zero.
Leadership & Management Development Fund
Designed for large businesses, this fund provides grants of up to £50,000. It supports a wide range of leadership and management development activities, including improving an existing training programme, developing a new one or trialling a new delivery method.
Employer Network
A collective of employers within certain areas, members of the Employer Network decide how and where CITB funds are spent. This can be on skills needed now or in the future – with many members investing in training for net zero requirements.
Collaboration is essential to achieving decarbonisation and net zero
By continuing work with our partners and the government, we can assess the skills industry needs and ensure that employers and the workforce are well prepared.
This means ensuring funds are being invested into putting the right training in place. Our Labour Forecasting Tool will also be particularly useful for regional analysis, helping to better inform us on where to target our support.
But the work doesn’t stop there.
While our goal is to ensure employers and their workforce thrive in a net zero economy, we know how crucial it is to contribute to the greater sustainability efforts, as an organisation.
Therefore, we are currently producing a Sustainability Strategy, which covers our internal environmental policy and is due to be published towards the end of this year.
The journey to net zero affects everyone, but by everyone coming together on a Herculean scale, we can still turn the tide. I feel extremely positive about the progress being made and am looking forward to seeing further impact in the coming years.
Tim Balcon
Chief executive
Construction Industry Training Board
Tel: +44 (0)344 994 4400
