Leeds Real Green Jobs Accelerator Scheme launches

This month, the Real Green Jobs Accelerator Scheme has launched in Leeds to offer a first of its kind training programme that supports housing retrofit demand and reduces unemployment in the region.

The scheme, led by EN:Procure and supported by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, works in partnership with DWP Job Centre Plus to upskill individuals who are currently unemployed into the industry.

Over the six-week course – hosted by sustainable regeneration specialist Equans at a live retrofit project – the first cohort of 8 learners will gain techniques and standards required to install external wall insulation (EWI) – from health and safety and building suitability to practical installation and aftercare.

At the end of the course, each trainee will have a guaranteed job interview for an entry level trades operative role on the Leeds City Council three-year EWI contract across the city.

In total, almost 50 learners will benefit from the scheme.

Simeon Perry, head of ESG at EN:Procure, said: “There is huge demand for these skills across the region as we work towards the UK target to reach EPC C in all social and private rented homes by 2030. We have led this industry partnership in response to that demand by creating a programme that not only looks to solve the skills gap but also provides job security for local people who are trained to deliver essential services.”

The development of the course will support the large green skills shortage in the industry to deliver the volume of retrofit works required and the future development of energy efficient residences. In West Yorkshire, it’s projected that around 700,000 homes require energy efficiency upgrades and with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) projecting an additional 33,000 operatives will be required in EWI by 2028, the Real Green Jobs Accelerator Scheme is futureproofing the regional workforce to support.”

Several additional partners have been responsible for bringing the scheme to fruition including Leeds City Council, Leeds College of Building – which is responsible for the training delivery, Enable Futures – which is coordinating the project on behalf of EN:Procure, Jewson Partnership Solutions – which is providing the training room and Wetherby Wall Systems – which is providing building materials.

Simeon added: “We’ve worked hard with our partners to create a scheme truly unique to the region that offers both classroom learning and practical hands-on experience. The course will give participants the required skills to go onto direct employment in EWI or progress to further education such as a National Vocational Qualification in EWI.”

Aaron Rees is part of the first cohort that started on the programme this week. He said: “I’m doing this training to try and get a job out of it. The course gives you good range of skills and experience that you can take into multiple jobs. It’s nice that you get work experience and then training at college alongside it.”

The scheme has been funded through Equans and Leeds City Council’s commitment to boost skills and employability in the city, through the EN:Procure Installers framework and direct financial support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Participants are required to attend in-person three days per week for six weeks and the second cohort will be starting in February.

Nikki Davis, CEO and principal of Leeds College of Building and a member of the government’s Construction Skills Mission Board, also said: “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.”