NEWS: Plugging the green jobs gap – Green Doctor Academy creates the next generation of energy advisors
Over £500,000 has been invested to create the new wave of energy efficiency advisors across England as part of an innovative programme to support those living in fuel poverty and address the green skills gap.
The Cadent Foundation Green Doctor Academy, developed in partnership with charity Groundwork, will create 35 new Green Doctors – independent energy advisors who visit homes to offer practical guidance on energy saving, behaviour change tips and referrals to other local support services – over the next three years.
There is currently a significant green-skills shortage across the UK – with the demand for roles significantly out-weighing capacity. The need for jobs to enable the transition to net zero, tackle environmental issues and inequalities and support the development of new green technology is never more needed.
In response, the programme offers a 12-month traineeship and is open to people of all ages, with a key focus on those who a have disability, are from an ethnic minority background, a low income household or are unemployed from local communities, in order to create more accessible environmental jobs pathways and inspire people from diverse backgrounds to view green jobs as a viable career option.
Jayne, 55, from Manchester, started her traineeship earlier this year and wanted a significant change from her career of 35-years in transport. Ending up unemployed and on universal credit due to the impacts of Covid-19 and fuel prices on the industry, she was made aware of the Cadent Foundation Green Doctor Academy by the job centre.
She said: “I wanted a total change of career. All my skills were transferable – working with people, and understanding them, the empathy. I’ve always been aware of turning your lights off and love green spaces. I am really interested in renewable technologies too. It’s the first place I’ve ever worked where I don’t feel pressured, and my colleagues are supportive. Each day is very different. You’ll be amazed how many people are struggling out there – and sometimes they just want to have a bit of a chat.”
Tom, 25, from Yorkshire, will soon start his training via the Academy. After studying Earth Science at university he was keen to utilise his degree to enter into a career which would benefit the planet through emission reductions and help people in need.
He said: “I have always wanted to use my knowledge and interests to help those who are less fortunate or that are in need. I’m looking forward to providing people with the advice required to help them become more independent with their energy usage, get out of fuel poverty, and improve their quality of living. I don’t know if there is anything more rewarding than genuinely changing someone’s life for the better.”
The Green Doctor Academy is a much-needed solution in order to ensure those in need have access to energy efficiency support and to grow the green economy skillset. Groundwork believes that every job should be a green job and we’re delighted that the Cadent Foundation is able to provide strategic, multi-year support for our Green Doctors, which will help us expand our service to more people and ensure we have a workforce able to meet growing demand.
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork UK’s Chief Executive
While 2050 might seem a long way off, to hit ambitious UK net zero targets, we will need to make significant strides across all areas of business in the decades prior. A big focus must therefore be on ensuring the workforce of today and the future is equipped with the tools and knowledge it needs to drive a greener society. At the Foundation, we’re dedicated to tackling fuel poverty and driving long term solutions and through this initiative, we are ensuring this starts at a grass roots level, helping to drive fairer opportunities along the way.
Ranjit Blythe, Managing Director of the Cadent Foundation
Alongside the Green Doctor Academy, the Groundwork and the Cadent Foundation are supporting households through the Stay Warm, Stay Well programme that provides Green Doctor visits. Over the course of the three-year programme, over 14,500 consultations will take place in regions across England, with a particular focus on vulnerable households.
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact: media@groundwork.org.uk
About Groundwork
Groundwork is a federation of charities with a collective mission to take practical action to create a fair and green future in which people, places, and nature thrive. We support communities and businesses to build capacity and resilience in order to tackle hardship, achieve a just transition to net-zero and help nature recover in a way that reduces inequality and leads to healthier, happier lives for all: www.groundwork.org.uk
About the Cadent Foundation
The Cadent Foundation was established in July 2019 with Cadent committing one per cent of annual post tax profits each year to the Foundation. Our aim is to help households find sustainable solutions to fuel poverty and ensure people are safe and warm in their homes. We work with charitable organisations to help households improve their financial wellbeing and become more energy efficient through advice, support and practical measures.
The funds of the Cadent Foundation are administered by Charities Trust (Charity Registration No: 327489) who will manage the grant giving and ensure that all grants donated by the Cadent Foundation are only used to further charitable purposes for the public benefit: https://cadentgas.com/cadent-foundation
