Green and digital partnership brings employers, local authorities and education sector together to address skills gap

A unique public-private sector partnership designed to help combat skills shortages across the green and digital skills sector has launched with its first employer event.

Funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA), the Local London Green Jobs and Skills Partnership brings together leaders from education, local authorities and employers across the Local London sub-region in East and South-East London to create courses and deliver training to help upskill people to work in these crucial sectors.

With around 32,000 green jobs currently rising to 110,000 roles in the green economy projected by 2050, the Partnership is reaching out to employers who work or live in the sub-region to play a part in shaping two significant green and digital programmes, including the creation of an Employer Green and Digital Advisory Board.

At the first engagement event last month, employers from across East and South East London heard from representatives from Local London, London South East Colleges (LSEC), Newham College and London Retrofit Programme, about areas of significant green job growth.

The London Retrofit Housing Action Plan that has been developed by London Councils for local authorities across the capital, highlighted significant future green jobs and skills requirements, with immediate needs in the homes and buildings sector.

The event was an opportunity to discuss the government’s employer-led Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) which set out reforms for skills and post 16 technical education. This highlighted the need to make training and skills development more responsive to local labour needs and the need to align courses to meet current and future skills needs across the Green and Digital sectors.

Dr Sam Parrett, CBE, Group Principal and CEO of London & South East Education Group said: “We are delighted to be part of this pioneering partnership work with eight other FE colleges, 10 Authorities and 30 employers, which builds on the recently GLA-funded work we have been doing on the Mayor’s Construction Academies.

“This type of collaborative approach is vital if we are to effectively tackle the many skills gaps that are emerging in new industries across London. Our aim is to ensure people across the capital have access to the exciting jobs on offer; supporting employers with a pipeline of high-quality skills.

“This first event was a great success, giving us the opportunity to update our partners and employers on the progress of the Mayoral Academy.”

“We look forward to continuing this work with our partners, creating opportunity for all.”

Sarah Murray, Director of Local London, said: “I am delighted with the positive response and insightful discussions we have had at this event from across all the sectors and key partners involved.

Collaboration between education providers, businesses and local authorities is vital to identify where the green and digital jobs growth will happen and to ensure local people have the skills and training to prepare them for these exciting roles. Employers on the Green and Digital Advisory Board will play a key role in helping drive this in the right direction.

I am excited that through this unique project we will pave the way to contribute to social mobility and widen participation for all across the emerging green and digital sectors.”

Dominic Millen, Retrofit London Programme Director said: “With over 100,000 retrofit jobs estimated to be needed by 2030, it is vital that there are collaborative approaches like the Local London Green Jobs & Skills Partnership. The first employer event is an example of how different sectors can join to help deliver the jobs and skills we will need as we transition to a green economy.”

Paul Stephen, Principal and CEO Newham College said: “Through collaboration and close co-ordination we aim to make it easy for every business and every resident looking to build a career in low carbon technologies to get the skills they need. We are proud to be working across the skills sector to help individuals and businesses to thrive, whilst taking action to address the dominant climate challenge of our times.”

This pioneering partnership is keen to continue engagement with employers and will deliver further initiatives including expert events, knowledge exchanges, and green and digital innovation. This employer-led intelligence will support residents to capitalise on the green jobs boom expected over the coming years.

If you are an employer and would like to get involved or are interested in hearing more about the Local London Strategic Projects and being part of the Employer Green and Digital Advisory Board, please contact Loraine Williams, Green Innovation Lead, Local London via email [email protected]

A copy of the recording for this event can be accessed on the Local London website https://www.local.london/