Routes into Retrofit

An opportunity for both climate and employment

205,000 workers will be needed to retrofit historic buildings in order to meet the UK’s net zero targets. Double the number we estimate we currently have with the right skills.

At the same time, thousands of people who stand to benefit most from green jobs are locked out of opportunity because they lack the qualifications, connections or recent work experience that employers typically require.

As a response, in 2025 Groundwork and Grosvenor launched Routes into Retrofit- a programme aiming to address both challenges at once: responding to the green skills shortage while opening up life-changing employment opportunities for people furthest from the labour market.

What is Routes Into Retrofit

  • a period of paid work, with training and wrap around support
  • designed as a stepping-stone into sustainable employment for people with limited qualifications & recent work experience
  • particularly suited to young people and to people with disabilities and long-term health conditions

Routes into Retrofit was piloted through Greener Futures, a four-year programme funded by Grosvenor and delivered by Groundwork that:

  • Offered supported employment in green roles for 85 unemployed Westminster residents
  • 75% of those who completed their placement went on to secure long-term employment
  • 100% of trainees who were asked, said their skills, job prospects and motivation improved

How does a Routes into Retrofit Programme work?

  • Groundwork London works with the host employer to write the Job Description and find a suitable trainee 
  • Groundwork London delivers any necessary pre-employment training, employs the trainee, and signs a ‘Placement Agreement’ with host employer 
  • Trainee is placed with the host employer for six months on the London Living Wage 
  • Groundwork provides coaching to trainees and supports the host employer throughout. 
  • Upon the conclusion of the six months, we will work with the host employer to identify appropriate progression opportunities for the trainee, targeting the commencement of an apprenticeship with the host or with partners. 

Yared has been working with PJ Harte, helping to renovate 110 Buckingham Palace Road. Having succeeded in his placement he is now starting an Apprenticeship with PJ Harte.

“I love working with my hands and seeing the results of my hard work. It gives me a real sense of achievement.”

Routes into Retrofit is one of several Support Employment projects run by Groundwork, including our Green Teams and Westminster Wheels.

We are actively looking for more host employers to host trainees and support the programme. By becoming a part of Routes into Retrofit we can:

  • Help you find new talent in places you might not have been looking. 
  • Help you fulfil Section 106 obligations and social value commitments. 

Interested in supporting Routes into Retrofit

Contact Graham Parry, Director of Youth, Employment and Skills at gparry@groundwork.org.uk

Interested in training in Retrofit?

If you are looking for a job or interested in training in Retrofit, contact us at london@groundwork.org.uk