Major installer bodies have launched a coalition body working on a plan to tackle the green skills crisis.
The new Engineering and Construction Services Skills Authority (EBSSA) will bring together existing members of the engineering services alliance Actuate UK with other bodies including the energy infrastructure and technologies trade association BEAMA and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering.
The new body is working on an action plan to boost the engineering and building services workforce needed to deliver decarbonised engineering systems.
Helen Yeulet, Chair of Actuate UK’s Skills Group and Director of Training and Skills at the British Engineering Services Association, said: “Everyone recognizes that we have a skills gap that will become even more acute as that the transition towards net zero is accelerated.
“EBSSA is a collaborative group representing key bodies at the forefront of the energy transition. We have the intelligence and understanding to deliver solutions to policy makers and industry.”
Construction news he understands that the new body will put pressure on political parties in the run-up to the next general election, which will be held before the end of January 2025.
Member bodies are expected to return the chair of the body, but no announcement has yet been made about the first holder of the position.
EBSSA grew out of conversations held around a Construction Leadership Council working group on installers’ competence, as part of a promote the improvement of competition in construction.
Andrew Eldred, director of workforce and public affairs at the Electrical Contractors Association, and vice-chairman of Actuate UK’s skills group, said: “It makes sense to look at both clean delivery and competition at the same time.
“Engineering and construction services account for 40% of all construction starts and 20% of the workforce, but there is a gap when it comes to advocating for the training and qualifications needed in these areas.”
Marion Marsland, chief executive of one of EBSSA’s non-acting members, said: “[The] the construction and services sector is a priority area. We want to maximize the number of competent professionals who are ready and able to work on decarbonising the UK. This covers all types of buildings: new and modern, domestic, commercial and industrial.
In May, the prime contractors were among a number of companies that launched a new group aimed at promoting large-scale residential reformsto achieve net zero goals.
The National Home Decarbonisation Group, which has 17 founding members, said it would focus on growing the retrofit supply chain, while advising on government policy and stimulating innovation.
Actuate UK members join EBSSA
Association of Building Engineering Services
Testing and research body BSRIA
Collegiate Institution of Building Services Engineers
Association of Electrical Contractors
Federation of Environmental Trade Associations
Elevator and Escalator Industry Association
UK non-acting members joining EBSSA
Collegiate Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering
Commercial association of energy infrastructure technologies BEAMA
Certification body for low carbon products and installations MCS
Association of Thermal Insulation Contractors
