Last month, the Department for the Economy (DfE) published its Green Skills Action Plan, aiming to develop a strategy for integrating more green skills into the education and training of Northern Ireland’s workforce.
The Plan initially focuses on three of the green economic sectors: large-scale energy production, infrastructure, and domestic low-carbon technologies and energy efficiency.
Relevance to the built environment
In doing so, it outlines several actions that could impact on the learnings of those entering or occupying roles related to the built environment. These include:
- Reviewing the content of apprenticeship frameworks, initially for those directly or indirectly relevant to the three selected green sectors, to ensure they meet the needs of business and contribute to meeting Net Zero targets.
- Scoping the establishment of a Green Skills Curriculum Hub and reviewing provision in Further & Higher Education Institutions to ensure it aligns with the Net Zero transition and addresses skills gaps against future demand.
- Developing competency pathways for green sector occupations to provide a roadmap for individuals from entry level through to those wishing to advance their careers in the green sector.
- Providing upskilling opportunities to the current workforce in all sectors within the three selected green sectors.
- Providing training provision for emerging zero carbon skills across the green sector including in onshore and offshore energy systems.
The full Green Skills Action Plan report can be accessed here.
If you have any questions or comments about the Plan, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk
