Jessica O'ConnorThe Government has unveiled a package of proposals aimed at creating up to 18,000 green jobs and expanding training for the next generation of clean energy workers.
Unveiled as part of the Government’s ‘Plan for Change’, the initiative includes a consultation to expand the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, while launching new funding and skills programmes to grow the workforce needed for a low-carbon future.
Under the plans, the Warm Homes Skills Programme and an extended Heat Training Grant will support thousands of new workers to qualify as installers of heat pumps, solar panels, insulation, and heat networks.
The move is a response to both climate targets and growing demand for skilled labour in the green economy.
Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “Our Warm Homes Plan will mean lower bills and warmer homes for millions of families – helping drive better living standards as part of the Plan for Change.
“Following a record-breaking month for applications to our Boiler Upgrade Scheme, we are now proposing to give working families more choice and flexibility to pick the low-carbon upgrades that work best for them.”
In addition to training, the Government is investing £4.6m in Copeland, Northern Ireland, to expand domestic manufacturing of components for heat pumps.
Backed by further private investment, the project is expected to drive regional growth and secure jobs in clean energy supply chains.
Industry leaders have welcomed the focus on job creation.
Octopus Energy CEO Greg Jackson said: “Britain has a huge opportunity to create thousands of good jobs as part of our energy transition.
“At Octopus, we’re playing our part by training 4,000 new low-carbon heating apprentices by 2030, but the industry needs thousands more if we’re going to reach our climate targets.
It’s good to see backing for training that will get anyone, no matter if they’re school leavers or career changers, into these high-impact jobs.”
Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, also praised the move.
He said: “As the UK’s largest installer of low carbon heating technologies, we are delighted with the Government’s proposals to expand the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to offer customers more choice on how to decarbonise their homes through greater financing, ownership and technology options.
“We can’t wait to add more to our Clean Power Army, the largest in the UK, using our award-winning academies and British Gas engineers to train installers across the UK.”
