Young trainee electrician reading eco-meterThe issues of climate change; the focus on reducing carbon use and waste; and increasing energy efficiency to reduce environmental impact, presents an opportunity for unemployed people. By working with local employers and service providers, requirements of employers and skills gaps will be understood, which will inform comprehensive training to benefit both the employers and those looking for work.

Eco-Advantage in the South East is working with local employers to develop short training programmes targeted at lower-skilled frontline staff and unemployed people, developing a practical understanding of the issues around climate change and giving them access to lower level 'green' skills to take to the workplace. The project is anticipating how the labour market and operating environment for business is going to be changing. This helps them in their work to help disadvantaged groups (low skilled, unemployed, volunteers), and local businesses, to respond and benefit.

Low Carbon Living and Working in Kirkless in Yorkshire and The Humber works with employers to understand their requirements in achieving low carbon emissions and is delivering training to upskill residents to increase their employability options in the future.

Increased demand on more traditional skills

The increase in the number of offshore wind turbines and the relocation of organisations to the North East of England are set to increase demand for highly skilled and competent workers in the ports in the region to facilitate the transport of goods. Port Training Services has used ESF to develop and deliver Port Operation NVQs to increase the skills levels of those working in the ports while at the same time providing assurances to businesses who are thinking of relocating to the area.