Thousands to gain practical net zero skills under new national programme

Latest News Mon, Jul 7, 2025 6:34 AM

Berkeley Group, in partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School, has launched the Net Zero Skills in Construction Programme – a practical initiative aimed at equipping the built environment sector with the skills needed to meet the UK’s net-zero goals.

Supported by the CITB’s Industry Impact Fund, this programme has been developed collaboratively with input from a broad group of industry leaders and education providers. Key organisations, including Berkeley Group, Kier, Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall, and others from the School’s Future Workforce Leadership Group, have helped shape the training to ensure it addresses real-world needs across the construction supply chain.

Over the next two years, the programme will provide tailored training, resources, and support designed to build practical skills, increase awareness, and open new business opportunities linked to sustainable construction practices. The focus is on empowering both education providers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to confidently adopt net-zero approaches.

Programme highlights include:

  • Training and Resources for Education Providers: Developing accessible materials to upskill trainers and assessors, ensuring the next generation of professionals is well-equipped with net-zero knowledge.
  • Support for SMEs: Offering bespoke training sessions to help SMEs understand and benefit from net-zero strategies in their operations.

Ian Heptonstall, Co-Founder and Director of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, said: “Our platform offers practical, high-quality training free of charge, making net-zero skills accessible across the sector. This programme is about creating lasting impact — with resources available long after the initial rollout to support ongoing industry progress.”

Catherine Hawkett, Senior Future Skills Manager of Berkeley Group, added: “The built environment sector plays a vital role in the UK’s journey to net-zero. By working with CITB and the Supply Chain Sustainability School, we’re ensuring the sector has the skills and tools needed for a sustainable future.”

Vanessa Freeman, CITB Head of Grant & Funding Products at CITB, commented: “Our Industry Impact Fund will play a vital role in advancing net zero skills across construction – and we’re delighted to be supporting a range of net zero projects across the industry. Through our work with Berkeley Group and the Supply Chain Sustainability School, we’re equipping education providers and SMEs with the tools needed to drive real progress toward the UK’s climate goals.”

For more information, visit https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/markets/future-workforce/

Featured News

Specification news
UK construction output declines slightly in June

Construction companies indicated a marginal reduction in total business activity...

Read More >>

Specification news
INCA survey reveals size of the UK EWI industry

INCA, the recognised trade association for the external wall insulation (EWI)...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

HPS200 Ultra Case Study Brochure Brochure

HPS200 Ultra Case St...
By Tata Steel

Download Now >>

Confidex Datasheet Brochure

Confidex Datasheet
By Tata Steel

Download Now >>

Prisma UK 2024 Brochure

Prisma UK 2024
By Tata Steel

Download Now >>

HPS200 Ultra UK Brochure

HPS200 Ultra UK
By Tata Steel

Download Now >>

Amtico Bio Support Document  Brochure

Amtico Bio Support D...
By Amtico

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

​The Confidex® Guarantee
​The Confidex® Guarantee

Offers the most comprehensive guarantee for pre-finished steel products in Europe and provides peace...

Read More >>

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®
Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®Super durable guaranteed performance.Designed to withstand even the most...

Read More >>

Prisma
Prisma

Colorcoat Prisma®Aesthetics that last, guaranteed.Colorcoat Prisma® demonstrates a step change by...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Mira Vista Heatloop
Mira Vista Heatloop

Mira Showers is delighted to introduce the new Mira Vista HeatloopTM – an innovative and stylish...

Watch Now >>

Why our Canopies Last Longer
Why our Canopies Last Longer

https://www.aandslandscape.co.uk/ Find out why A&S Landscape Canopies last longer than alternatives....

Watch Now >>

Enclosed Dining Canopy - Hampton Gardens School
Enclosed Dining Canopy - Hampton Gardens School

A&S Landscape designed and installed a large enclosed, curved roof canopy for Hampton Gardens School...

Watch Now >>