ABOUT
The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) uses Gemserv research to identify gaps in their retrofit and green skills markets.
THE CHALLENGE
The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) was set up in 2017 to make decisions and investments that benefit people living and working in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Their aim is to deliver economic growth for the region, and address challenges, such as productivity and skills, housing and transport.
To influence the development of the local Climate Emergency Action Plan, WECA sought expert analysis to inform on the range of different jobs and skill levels required to enable them to reach net zero ambitions.
OUR FINDINGS
THE SOLUTION
Gemserv undertook a literature review and sourced primary qualitative and quantitative evidence sources to build an evidence base for decision making. The report focused on the following areas:
- Identifying and quantifying the existing retrofit/green skills market.
- Summarising existing skills provision, and any issues that may arise in job creation.
- Discussing the future requirements of retrofit and the green skills workforce.
- Providing insight into regional growth scenarios for the retrofit and green skills markets.
- Establishing market interventions and stimulus available to the Combined Authority’s three councils.
THE IMPACT
The Combined Authority gained a key insight into the range of different jobs and skills that they would require to reach net zero by 2030 using Gemserv’s research. The report found
that over 250,000 homes and 8,000 non-residential properties with Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) in the region need retrofitting.
Projected statistics also helped to identify where resources should be focused in order to meet the ambitious local targets.
Using this information, WECA were able to inform the allocation of funds towards the future of the green skills and retrofit workforce, the development of scheme proposals and assisting employers and education providers with learning, training and employment opportunities.
