Building heroes announces inaugural green skills programme in partnership with Gateshead College

Building Heroes is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Green Skills programme, commencing this November with training partner Gateshead College. 

Building Heroes, a Queen’s award-winning, leading non-profit organisation dedicated to providing training and career opportunities to the Armed Forces community, is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever Green Skills programme, commencing this November with training partner, Gateshead College.

The Retrofit Assessor/Surveyor course is set to address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the rapidly evolving green construction and utility sectors. By joining forces with Gateshead College, Building Heroes is taking a bold step towards closing the green skills gap that has emerged as a significant challenge for these industries in response to the 2050 decarbonisation targets and the government’s net-zero strategy.

As part of this collaboration, Building Heroes is committed to working closely with training providers for the delivery of the Green Skills training and with industry to ensure we are meeting the urgent needs of recruitment to the sector. These collaborations will bridge the gap between the military service joining the civilian workforce by offering tailored training and resources to the armed forces community, ultimately enabling them to embark on a successful career path in the green sector.

Karen Jefford, the CEO, said: "As Building Heroes approaches its 10th anniversary, we are thrilled to usher in a new era with the launch of our first Green Skills programme at Gateshead College. We have always been committed to empowering our military community and former service personnel, and this new initiative represents a forward-thinking step to providing them with relevant skills for the exciting opportunities they deserve."

"The Green Skills / Retrofit industry is rapidly growing, and with the environmental and energy-efficiency demands of the modern world, this training programme will not only bridge the gap between service and civilian life but also open doors to sustainable career paths. We are delighted to be implementing this programme and look forward to launching similar ‘reskilling’ opportunities in different regions over the coming year so that we may continue to support our former military community in England and Wales as they reskill and redeploy into successful civilian lives."

This course will take place over five consecutive weeks and blend classroom and workshop activities complemented with site experience. At the end of the period, the learners will gain:

• Level three domestic energy assessor
• Level three retrofit assessor
• Introduction to the principals of PAS2035
• Elements of construction skills, including carpentry, plaster boarding, skimming, painting, and decorating
• Asbestos awareness
• Level one award in construction health & safety
• CSCS card

After the learners have graduated, Building Heroes will support them, providing information, advice, career pathways and national job opportunities, working with national and local employers and industry partners.

To learn more about Building Heroes and its Green Skills programme, visit their website at https://www.buildingheroes.org.uk/courses/new-programme-coming-soon-green-skills-retrofit-surveyor.