Supporting industry on the path to Net Zero
The energy transition is happening, and it is essential that the UK workforce has the correct skills for net zero to take advantage of the jobs which will be created by new projects and initiatives. The ECITB works with employers, training providers, Government and other stakeholders to ensure the engineering construction workforce has the skills for today and for the energy jobs in the future.
Within the engineering and construction industry (ECI) that means making sure we have the technical skills to deliver on Government’s and Industry’s clear commitments to decarbonise existing industry, build new hydrogen, nuclear and carbon capture facilities as well as the project management capability to work in a more collaborative, connected way and to challenge the status quo.
The ECITB is one of the leading voices around the path to net zero, feeding into the UK Government’s green jobs delivery group looking at the workforce and skills requirements to support the energy transition. The ECITB works with industry to identify and address the required engineering skills for net zero. We are developing training standards to meet industry need, such as Statutory Inspection and Maintenance of Wind Turbines and the Energy Transition and Wind Turbine Technician Scholarship programme.
Net Zero resources from the ECITB
The UK’s energy systems and global energy technology is advancing rapidly. Industry is working to achieve net zero and create a more sustainable future in the industrial clusters. But how can industry harness these developments and what are the challenges? This is where ECITB’s Collabor8 podcast series can help.
The ECITB aims to develop a trusted net zero information hub for the Engineering construction Industry (ECI) by engaging industry experts who are at the forefront of the energy transition to examine the challenges and explore solutions.
Listen to Deputy Head of S&P, Jenny Young, explain more on the series.
Energy Transition Leadership Programme (ETLP) and MSc in Offshore Energy Transition
This postgraduate level university programme, focused on the energy transition, is available through the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
The programme, consisting of a series of CPD modules, has been developed in partnership between higher education providers, employers, employer groups and the ECITB.
Credits for the CPD modules of the ETLP can now count towards a post graduate level qualification including an MSc in Offshore Energy Transition.
Aimed at engineers and managers, the programme introduces the innovative technologies, organisational strategies and business models that will underpin net zero. It aims to upskill the existing workforce in a drive to net zero. It will also attract a new generation / skillset into the industry and develop a core understanding of how the industry is developing and evolving.
Delivered online in five-week blocks and combining online theoretical lectures, self-study and group activities, learners can either complete stand-alone CPD modules of the ETLP or opt to complete a full suite of modules to achieve an MSc in Offshore Energy Transition.
Modules can be completed in any order.
The timetable for 2023 is:
- Module 2 – Renewable Energy Technologies – February 2023
- Module 3 – Techno-economics of Energy Systems and Integration – April 2023
The next module – Global Energy Markets, Energy Transition Barriers and Readiness will commence January 2024.
For more information, please contact the team at NetZero@ecitb.org.uk or visit the University of Strathclyde website: MSc Offshore Energy Transition
Net Zero Network
The ECITB has created the Net Zero Network to help industry develop the skilled, qualified and competitive workforce needed to deliver the energy transition.
The network – made up of industry professionals, subject matter experts and net zero pioneers – brings all engineering construction sectors together to identify and tackle key challenges and opportunities and support delivery of critical infrastructure projects.
If you have ideas to share about the skills, training and qualifications industry will need to deliver net zero then please get in touch below or join in the conversation on social via #Skills4NetZero
For more information, please contact the team at NetZero@ecitb.org.uk
Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy
What it means for the ECITB
The Government’s Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy is a key document for the ECI giving more detail about how the industry can expect to reach net zero, the technology the government sees as key and the financial and policy support planned. While more details will follow, the strategy provides a clear roadmap for the direction the industry should expect to go in. Here the ECITB maps the key themes from the document to potential training needs and skills requirements to form the basis of our support to industry.
Find net zero training
As the path to net zero becomes clearer and the speed of transition accelerates, we see increased demand from employers for training to increase the awareness of their employees to the changes that will come with the energy transition, including enabling technologies, management and financing.
The ECITB has curated a selection of the current training options to help prepare your workforce with the skills for net zero.
Carbon Management and Strategies for Net Zero
The Engineering Construction Industry will play a key role in providing the technical design, construction and project management skills to deliver large scale decarbonisation projects. However the ECITB recognise that companies will also be working to align themselves to their own internal net zero targets. Many companies are building strategies, setting targets and making changes to identify and reduce their emissions, moving their business towards net zero.
The ECITB know that for many this is a new and emerging area and we have therefore provided some links to potentially helpful information and courses available.
TOWARDS NET ZERO:
The implications of the transition to net zero emissions for the ECI
The ECITB commissioned Element Energy to identify the implications of decarbonisation for the industry. The report identifies the potential for over £40bn in revenues for the engineering construction industry by 2050 alongside a number of critical challenges that must be met to make the switch to low carbon technologies. The report, TOWARDS NET ZERO: The implications of the transition to net zero emissions for the Engineering Construction Industry was launched in March 2020 as reported by The Engineer.
Taking actions to protect skills today
The ECITB is committed to supporting traditional industries to ensure that our existing skills are not lost.
The ECITB is supporting young professionals through the ECITB Scholarships, Apprenticeships and the Graduate Development Grant.
Those enrolled on the schemes will develop skills which will contribute towards the net zero economy.
Net zero projects will require cross-sector working and will challenge traditional contracting strategies and project management techniques.
Our Project Collaboration Toolkit provides guidance to support collaborative working relationships. The Collabor8 Podcasts also provide insight into Project Collaboration to Deliver Net Zero.
Achieve Zero Carbon
The Engineering Construction Industry Association (ECI) has published ‘Achieve Zero Carbon’ a set of guidelines to help organisations deliver a net zero strategy. It contains guidance on defining policies, setting strategic objectives, implementing a plan, communicating objectives and the training needed to develop green skills and monitoring to measure and report emissions.