NEWS
Contractors’ Corner
EBSSA supports government plans for skills change in construction
T
he Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority (EBSSA) has welcomed the recent announcements by the Government and the
Chancellor, which aim to ensure that the construction sector has a skilled, competent workforce to deliver on vital infrastructure and housing goals while supporting the creation of a sustainable built environment.
At an engineering services skills forum held online on Monday, 31 March — organised by Actuate UK on behalf of EBSSA — representatives from across the engineering and building services sector were briefed on the Government’s Plan for Change. The forum provided an opportunity to discuss how the sector will respond to the evolving skills landscape and contribute to the Construction Skills Mission Board.
Despite the importance of plumbers, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) engineers, electricians and other skilled engineering occupations for the future, engineering and building services are not always adequately represented in national skills policy conversations. It was agreed that stronger connections across the sector and its
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supply chains are essential. EBSSA members look forward to collaborating with Skills England and the Construction Skills Mission Board to help bridge these gaps. Helen Yeulet, director of competence and compliance at BESA, and EBSSA joint chair, said: “This is a big moment for skills — and our sector is ready to lead. EBSSA is committed to putting engineering and building services at the heart of building a competent, future-ready workforce.” Over the past year, organisations within engineering and building services have been widely praised for their collaborative work in developing and implementing competence frameworks. These eff orts are critical to supporting the UK Government’s ambitions in infrastructure, housing, and clean energy and showcase what the industry can achieve when it works together. ■ Key takeaways from the meeting included: Recognition that the Government’s focus on skilled workers must encompass the entire construction and built environment sector, not solely housing.
■ A clear need for engagement with large parts of the engineering and building services sector that
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■ The importance of UK-wide engagement. While skills policy is devolved, the workforce is not, requiring coordination with all UK nations
EBSSA members reaffi rmed their commitment to advancing these priorities and engaging more widely across the sector for input and support The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority (EBSSA) was convened by Actuate UK members and other leading sector bodies to provide a credible, authoritative voice for skills across all engineering and building services. The scope of EBSSA covers the skills requirements to design, install, and commission decarbonised energy storage, heating, hot water, and transport solutions while ensuring adequate indoor air quality for occupants. Key objectives of this skills coalition are to provide analysis based on transparent data on skills demand and supply, and use this evidence to highlight needs, educate, and infl uence policymakers and providers to close the skills shortage gaps with measurable interventions.
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