Regional Retrofit Skills Taskforce Checklist

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As the drive towards achieving net zero emissions intensifies, the National Retrofit Hub has released its latest tool to support regional efforts. It is called the Regional Retrofit Skills Taskforce Checklist.

With the ambitious goal of retrofitting the nation’s homes to meet health, energy and net zero targets, the UK faces a pressing need for skilled workers in the construction sector. To meet this demand, at least 200,000 new entrants to the workforce are required alongside a substantial upskilling effort across the country.

In response to this growing need, the National Retrofit Hub (NRH) has developed its checklist which serves as a guide to help regional authorities develop skills plans and build stronger connections between retrofit delivery and economic development programmes. It acknowledges the crucial role of letting housing providers, training providers and retrofit employers understand the local pipeline of retrofit work.

The checklist considers how procurement can be leveraged to increase training and job opportunities, engagement tactics for local SME construction and building services firms and initiatives to encourage individuals of all ages and backgrounds to pursue careers in the retrofit sector.

Shared goals

Cara Jenkinson, who worked on the checklist says: "This is a vital resource in achieving net zero emissions. By fostering collaboration and strategic planning at the regional level, we aim to accelerate progress towards our shared sustainability goals."

Co-director of the National Retrofit Hub, Rachael Owens, says: “The release of the checklist demonstrates our commitment to supporting regional initiatives. By equipping stakeholders with the necessary tools and strategies, we empower communities to drive meaningful change towards a sustainable future."

The NRH has worked closely with regional experts to develop this resource.

Polly Persechino, the head of economy, skills and employment from South London Partnership explains its significance: “The early work undertaken in developing the taskforce checklist has been invaluable in shaping South London’s retrofit response to date and will form a fundamental part of how the activities of the South London Retrofit Taskforce are informed and shaped. It has been extremely useful in developing South London’s ‘whole system’ response to seizing the opportunities that retrofit represents and in helping us convene a wide variety of stakeholders around a common set of aims.”

Genevieve Dady, a supply chain development manager from Greater South East Net Zero Hub, says: "We are acutely aware of the shortage of skilled retrofit personnel and the challenging task that lies ahead in terms of reaching net zero by 2050. This checklist is a big step towards tackling that challenge and will be an important planning tool for all of those working in the sector.”

Picture: To download the NRH Regional Retrofit Skills Taskforce Checklist – Click Here

www.nationalretrofithub.org.uk

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
24th April 2024

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