Project Summary

Challenge

The construction industry faces a growing need for Net Zero skills, yet many education providers and construction SMEs lack the knowledge, capability and training capacity required to meet future demand. As the industry transitions towards low-carbon construction methods, businesses need access to relevant training that helps them understand Net Zero requirements and take advantage of emerging opportunities.

Research undertaken by Berkeley Group and the Supply Chain Sustainability School identified two connected challenges. Firstly, trainers and assessors within colleges and training providers require greater industry-led knowledge to deliver relevant Net Zero training. Secondly, many SMEs remain unaware of the business opportunities associated with Net Zero and do not engage with available learning and development opportunities.

Without action, skills shortages could restrict industry growth, reduce opportunities for SMEs and slow progress towards the UK's decarbonisation ambitions. The challenge is not only developing training provision, it’s also creating demand for that training and ensuring it reflects real industry needs.

Solution

Berkeley Group, in collaboration with the Supply Chain Sustainability School and a network of industry and education partners, are developing an innovative programme focused on building Net Zero capability across both education providers and SMEs. The project addresses both sides of the skills equation: strengthening training capacity while increasing business engagement in Net Zero learning.

The programme is creating a suite of new industry-led learning resources designed specifically for trainers, assessors and educators working across the construction sector. Developed in collaboration with major employers and education partners, the content aims to provide practical insight into how sustainability and Net Zero principles are being applied across construction projects.

Resources include:

• Industry videos featuring construction leaders

• Bite-sized educational animations

• Case studies demonstrating sustainable construction in practice

• Net Zero learning materials tailored to educators

• Industry insight resources linked to workforce skills requirements

Alongside the digital resources, the programme is delivering specialist training for education providers, helping trainers and assessors build confidence in topics such as:

• Sustainability in construction

• Net Zero and carbon reduction

• Science Based Targets

• Designing out carbon

• Resource and waste efficiency

• Modern Methods of Construction

• Energy efficiency in buildings

Building on this foundation, the project will develop and deliver regional training events for SMEs, bringing together employers, educators and industry experts to demonstrate Net Zero business opportunities and encourage further skills development. The sessions will be tailored to local priorities and construction activity, helping businesses understand how they can participate in the growing low carbon economy.

By strengthening education provider capability and increasing SME engagement, the programme aims to create a lasting pipeline of Net Zero knowledge that benefits both current and future construction workers.

Expected Outcomes

Resources

• Future Workforce - Supply Chain Sustainability School

• Book onto future roadshows - Future-proof your business for Net Zero