SummitSkills is updating the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for renewable technologies to ensure approved training and assessment is in place as a matter of priority.
This follows the completion of an independent report commissioned by SummitSkills earlier in 2007 (click here to download the report). It will see the development of the NOS and minimum technical competencies set for completion by March 2008. At present, significant efforts are needed to address training on microgeneration technologies in the UK.
The report was commissioned by SummitSkills and supported by Engineering Services Training Trust Ltd and the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association.
Keith Marshall, chief executive at SummitSkills, said: “Microgeneration is a key part of the government strategy to help combat climate change, promoted through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP). If it is to succeed, it is vital to increase the number of skilled installers and system designers who have been trained in these technologies to a recognised standard, or the UK risks falling short of its targets.”
The report, undertaken by the National Energy Foundation (NEF), urges industry stakeholders to be proactive and work closely with SummitSkills to champion renewable energy training on a local, regional and national level, to ensure a skilled workforce.
NEF contacted a wide variety of organisations to identify their current and planned training for microgeneration technologies, documenting the content of each course, certification scheme and the target audience. The NEF concluded that, to date, the solar thermal sector has largely led the way by establishing Logic and BPEC accredited courses.
The report resolved that there are few microgeneration courses in combined heat and power, and hydro, with only a limited number of these actually leading to a recognised qualification, particularly in wind and solar-PV. It also highlighted the lack of benchmarks for best practice in the installation of renewable energy systems, which SummitSkills feels is responsible for hindering the development of training courses and the failure to establish an agreed process.
Mr Marshall continued: “The implementation of an effective microgeneration and renewable energy training strategy is crucial to progressing the needs of the industry. While there are a few resources available to teach relevant courses and up-skill the current employees, further action needs to be taken, including an increase in funding to improve the training facilities available. We need commitment for a continuous improvement process that will see the emergence of a competent, highly skilled workforce that exactly meets the demands of the building services engineering sector.”
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