NEWS Surge in demand for engineers welcomed
Demand for engineers is predicted to grow faster than any other occupation, according to a report commissioned by EngineeringUK. The report found that vacancies for ‘green engineering’ roles in the UK had increased by 55% in the past five years driven by the focus on achieving a net zero economy by 2050. The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) said
the report highlighted the importance of engineering to the UK economy but warned that the number of vacancies reflected the growing skills gap. “Building engineering firms are struggling to recruit enough people to meet current demand but are simultaneously trying to assess their workforce needs to keep growing for the future,” said BESA President Rab Fletcher. “On the one hand, it is great to see that the number of engineering careers is growing and its profile rising, but on the other, we face a huge challenge to appeal to a much more diverse audience to recruit the future talent we desperately need,” he added. The Lightcast report, Engineering Skills and Needs – now and into the future, calculated there were just over six million “engineering jobs” across all industries in 2021 – about 19% of all employment in the country – and that recruiting for engineering roles accounted for a quarter of all job postings last year.
Growth
The report concluded that “either the skills shortage in engineering is greater than in other areas, or that employers are hiring for future growth, or a combination of the two”. Engineering UK – a not-for-profit organisation set up to encourage more young people to take up engineering careers – said that the central role played by engineers in creating solutions to fight climate change was driving up demand. More than 212,000 job advertisements between 2021 and 2022 mentioned ‘green skills’. “Given the soaring demand for engineers across all sectors, it’s essential that the UK has a robust plan and funding in place to train the future workforce, bringing more young people from all backgrounds into engineering and
Prominent industry figures have responded to the latest report
from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) which highlights that the UK is stalling in making progress in emissions reduction, by calling for strong and decisive action from the government.
technology, alongside reskilling the current workforce,” said chief executive Dr Hilary Leevers. Pay is also rising in line with growing demand, according to
the report, with engineers commanding an average annual salary of £38,600, which is almost 30% higher than the £30,000 average for all occupations.
“Aspiring engineers have a world of opportunities ahead, as their skills and expertise become increasingly sought after,” said Fletcher, who will complete his year as BESA President next month.
“During my year in office, I have been delighted to witness noticeable growth in the prominence and status of built environment engineers. Their ability to solve complex problems, think critically, and adapt to new technologies will be invaluable in shaping the future and addressing the challenges that lie ahead. “Engineering skills are also a gateway to a fulfilling career, play a pivotal role in advancing society, and can make a lasting impact on the world and our local communities,” added Fletcher. “The increased interest in the courses we run through the BESA Academy shows how much appetite there is for new and updated skills as we strive to shape our future workforce.”
Daikin UK and Quantum Group form green skills partnership
Eco-heating and cooling technology brand Daikin UK has partnered with Quantum Group, provider of renewables and decarbonisation training, to roll out to approximately 150 further education colleges that offer built environment study programmes. This innovative partnership is the first of its kind in the UK.
The UK is facing a major challenge to fill the green skills gaps needed to meet the Government’s ambitious target of Net Zero by 2050 and its aim to have 600,000 heat pumps installed each year by 2028 – with more than 200,000 people needing training for green energy roles by 2050. It is estimated there are only 3,000 trained heat pump engineers in the UK – yet at least 27,000 will be needed in the next six years alone. To upskill heating professionals and help close the green skills gap, Daikin UK and Quantum have partnered to address the challenge from two perspectives, attracting more young people to the low-carbon installation industry and offering renewable training solutions to bridge the gap between theory and hands on practice. The Renewable Training Facilities and state-of-the-art equipment offers
learners hands-on, practical exposure to renewable energy and low carbon technologies including air source heat pumps, solar thermal, solar PV, EV charging and battery energy storage. The partnership aims to train hundreds of heat pump installers a year through these Renewable Training Facilities. Martin Passingham, product and training manager at Daikin UK commented: “It’s never been more important for heating installers to upskill and ensure that they are prepared for the future. Our partnership with Quantum makes it easier than ever to do exactly that.
Maria Gonella, managing partner at the Quantum Group, said: “This collaboration is a significant step towards addressing the UK’s green skills gap and accelerating the growth of a net zero workforce.
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Phil Hurley, managing director of NIBE Energy Systems, said: “The CCC’s Progress Report has confirmed, as expected, that heat pumps are being rolled out far too slowly here in the UK. Despite the ambition to get to a place where 600,000 heat pumps are being rolled out every year by 2028, we are reminded yet again that we are at risk of missing this target without further policy support from government. “As great as it has been to have seen commitments this year to address some of the challenges to deployment, it is critical that policy commitments from the Government are implemented, including the rebalancing of energy levies to reduce heat pump running costs, and that more support is provided to consumers.”
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Henk van den Berg, strategic business manager of heating and renewables at Daikin UK, commented: “The UK’s strategy to encourage renewable heating technology uptake has been too weak for too long. Nothing is more important than driving the nation’s transition away from harmful gas boilers, creating green jobs and a green supply chain in the UK. “The new government proposals to fine companies who miss quotas for heat pump production and installation are a welcome first step, as is the plan to use this revenue to incentivise heat pump companies to ramp up production. “But we’d like to see Government go further and extend its subsidies to cover hybrid heat pumps, which can be a helpful transition step for households looking to embrace new technology. This will further stimulate demand and, in turn, incentivise gas boiler manufacturers to accelerate their diversification into heat pumps.”
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Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association, Charlotte Lee, said: “The Climate Change Committee’s report leaves no room for doubt. The UK’s progress in heat pump installations, cost reduction, and trained installers is alarmingly off-track to meet heating decarbonisation targets. To switch the dial on progress, we need swift and decisive action from the Government to introduce the Future Homes Standard, provide early clarity of a date for the full phase out of 100% fossil fuel boilers, and take urgent steps to reduce the price of electricity. The Electrification of Heat Demonstration Project showcases the potential of heat pumps, providing us with a no-regrets solution. It’s important to acknowledge that progress is being made in the UK, with year on year market growth and investment into UK manufacturing facilities. However, more needs to be done, and quickly. With resolute action, we can close the gaps. But the time for positive and decisive change must be now and we stand behind the call for Government to “Stay firm on existing commitments and move to delivery”.
’ 6 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2023 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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