Skills for Climate Change report published
The New Engineering Foundation’s new research report, “Meeting the Low Carbon Challenge”, was launched today (28 February) at a reception for business and education leaders. The report, commissioned by London Capital Colleges, led by Newham College, identifies resources in the London FE and HE sector that support knowledge transfer to businesses in construction and building engineering. It also highlights the extent to which such businesses are engaged with the low carbon agenda through their clients and staff development. Speaking at today’s launch, NEF CEO Professor Sa’ad Medhat outlined key findings and recommendations from the report
(download the report free here). The audience, including key figures from London business and colleges, also watched demonstrations from NEF and Skills for Climate Change on the e-learning resources that are being developed to respond to low carbon technology skills needs.
Among the key findings of the report are:
- 53% of FE/HE institutions said that the low carbon agenda was either ‘central to their work’ or ‘is a factor in most courses’. 47% have no, or peripheral, involvement.
- Only 26% of companies in the building sector are finding that their clients are requesting low carbon technologies.
- Only 41% of companies are currently interested in accessing help and advice to deliver work that involves new low carbon technologies.
The recommendations attempt to tackle these problems, and include, for example:
- For colleges and universities to develop models of integration, in order to ensure better connection between skills supply with demand
- For the education sector to focus on providing solutions to employers, not merely lists of qualifications
- For government and policy makers to clarify ‘green’ legislation and prepare a communication strategy delivering concise messages to the public on ‘green’ opportunities
Skills for Climate Change is an ongoing project which is at the heart of driving the environmental learning and skills agenda to create a low carbon London.
Visit the SFCC website here
