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THE CHALLENGE
There is significant demand for energy efficiency upgrades to homes for our membership to achieve decarbonisation objectives, with an estimated 700,000 homes in need of retrofit works in Yorkshire alone.
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has forecast that an additional 33,000 operatives will be required nationally to deliver external wall insulation (EWI) by 2028.
A joined up approach is needed to deliver EWI training provision successfully, led by industry:
- Real demand i.e. work and employment
- Control over work experience and training provision
- Full supply chain buy in
- Real commitment to the provision of high quality EWI training leading to real jobs
THE OUTCOME
Leeds City Council selected EN:Procure as their procurement partner for Phase 1 of their city-wide EWI programme, funded by Wave 3 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, which aims to reduce fuel poverty and achieve EPC C rating on 286 homes in Seacroft, Holbeck and Armley.
Contractor Equans were appointed through EN:Procure’s Gen-4 framework for installation, servicing, repairs and maintenance with the social value contribution part-funding the academy. Our Gen-4 frameworks have an innovative Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) model which provided the basis for delivery of the Real Green Jobs Accelerator project, locking in demand and commitment to join up recruitment, work experience, training and employment.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority funded the tuition element delivered by Leeds College of Building. EQUANS and subcontractors Hamilton Building Contractors are delivering the project and enabling real onsite experience. Enable Futures provide the recruitment and pastoral support offered to the learners who are referred by DWP Job Centre Plus. Jewson Partnership Solutions are providing the training space and Wetherby Wall Systems are providing the training materials.
This scheme is yet another example of how the region benefits when we all work together, the support from all parties has been essential.
“What started as an idea our fantastic lecturer Mark Speight had has now become a comprehensive training programme. Mark is also delivering both classroom learning and workshop training on our side, so it’s a real full circle moment. On behalf of LCB, I want to say a massive thank you to our partners for helping to make this happen.”
Nikki Davis | Principal and Chief Executive, Leeds College of Building
LEEDS EWI ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAMME
The 6-week programme is a structured blend of technical training and on site experience to give participants practical competence and workplace confidence. Learners spend 3 days per week on site with Equans gaining hands on understanding of real project conditions. They spend the other 2 weekdays in classroom-based learning and hands-on workshop practice at the Jewson Partnership Solutions training hub, supported by Leeds College of Building tutor Mark Speight. This enabled learners to consolidate their skills, strengthen their understanding of the theory, and apply what they’ve learned in a safe, structured environment.
The first cohort were welcomed on site in January 2026 and the second cohort completed at the end of March 2026. Some learners had been out of work long term, some were prison leavers rebuilding their careers, and others were young people who had completed college but struggled to secure an apprenticeship. A few arrived with previous construction experience, while many were stepping onto a site for the very first time. This mix created a genuinely inclusive group, each person starting from a different place but working toward the same opportunity.
Equans also gave every learner a personalised toolkit worth several hundred pounds, stocked with specialist equipment needed for EWI work. They also provided PPE and a face-fit test, removing financial and logistical barriers to participating.
Learners celebrated their hard work and success with a graduation ceremony when they completed the course, receiving a certificate and fully stocked toolbox to reward their achievement. Every trainee is guaranteed a job interview with Equans and their subcontractor partners for an entry level role, linked to Leeds City Council’s EWI programme.
Four learners subsequently have employment with Equans and Hamilton Building Contractors, working on EWI projects in Leeds for the Warm Homes Plan. They are all Leeds locals who are now proud to be involved in the regeneration of their own communities.
I took this opportunity through the Job Centre after struggling to find an apprenticeship and I’m really glad I did. I enjoyed learning new skills and everyone was so helpful.”
Aaron Rees | Leeds EWI Academy Learner
Before this, I didn’t even know what EWI was. Now I understand it properly and I’m really enjoying it. You learn the skills step by step — measuring up, fitting the boards, getting the render right — and there’s a real sense of satisfaction seeing the finished result that people actually drive past and see.”
Harry Hutchinson | Leeds EWI Academy Learner
Thank you to everyone involved for seeing my potential. I’ve made new friends and learned so much. This is definitely something I want to pursue as a career.”
Jevon Joell | Leeds EWI Academy Learner
Coming here, you learn all the specifics — the measurements, the standards, and what you should and shouldn’t do so you don’t mess the job up. Before the training I was just bouncing between agency warehouse jobs, but this actually gives you proper skills and a clear direction.”
TJ Ball | Leeds EWI Academy Learner
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