Future-proof your built environment training offer with new green technology qualifications
From retrofit to solar PV and heat pump installations, City & Guilds renewable technology qualifications equip industry workers with skills for the energy transition and net zero targets.
16 January 2025
The UK's journey to net zero by 2050 is transforming the built environment sector, driving demand for skills to upgrade existing infrastructure and implement green technologies.
This transformation is particularly critical given that the UK has some of the least energy efficient homes in Europe, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, with solid walls, poor insulation, and outdated heating systems contributing to high energy costs and carbon emissions.
Retrofitting is the first step in preparing buildings for the clean energy transition, creating the foundation to efficiently implement new energy systems – from improving insulation and heating controls for heat pump installations to strengthening roof structures for solar panels.
However, success will require a coordinated approach to workforce development to create a pipeline of skilled industry professionals capable of installing, maintaining and maximising the efficiency of these renewable technologies.
Upskilling the built environment sector workforce: New green technology qualifications
At City & Guilds, we are committed to working with training providers and colleges to develop and deliver qualifications that equip learners with the relevant skills to support the energy transition, including retrofit, heat pumps, solar PV, electrical energy storage systems (EESS) and electric vehicle (EV) charging.
Government and Multi-Combined Authorities (MCAs) are also investing in training programmes to ensure professionals in the sector are upskilled with required continuing professional development (CPD) courses to futureproof their careers and work towards net zero goals.
Read on to learn about our new green technology qualifications and sign up to our support webinars or download the qualification handbooks for more information.
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New: Level 4 retrofit assessor qualification
Retrofit assessors play a pivotal role in creating sustainable homes and reducing carbon emissions by recommending improvements to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.
Adding to our suite of retrofit qualifications, the new Level 4 Award for Domestic Retrofit Assessors (7618-04) equips learners with the expertise to survey buildings and provide essential information for energy efficiency improvements, aligning with the UK’s PAS 2035 standard.
Qualification launches on 17 January 2025.
Download the retrofit assessor qualification handbook
Sign up for our upcoming support webinar on 20 January 2025
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New: Level 3 air source heat pump installation and maintenance qualification
City & Guilds Level 3 Award in the Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pump Systems supports learners to develop the skills and understanding needed to excel in the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of air source heat pump systems (ASHPs).
The qualification covers statutory legislation, heat pump principles, system specification and design, installation, inspection, testing, and handover. Aligned with MCS requirements and the latest National Occupational Standards it’s ideal CPD for qualified heating and plumbing engineers.
Designed for plumbing and heating engineers aiming to work with ASHPs in domestic and small-commercial settings, this qualification equips learners with all the relevant skills to deliver safe and efficient installations.
Qualification will launch at the end of February 2025.
Download the draft air source heat pump qualification handbook
Sign up for our upcoming support webinar on 31 January at 12:00 pm
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New: Level 3 solar PV and EESS installation qualifications
Our Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Small Solar Photovoltaic Systems (2922-34) and Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Commissioning of Small Electrical Energy Storage Systems (2923-34) are designed to provide electricians and electrical installers with the required skills and knowledge to work with these technologies safely.
They are aligned with the MCS technical specification, the latest National Occupational Standards and meet the relevant industry standards including the Electrician Plus trademark requirements.
They are recognised by The Joint Industry Board & Electrotechnical Certification Scheme as recognised CPD for an ECS Gold Card Installation Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, or Domestic Electrician. These qualifications can be contained in the MyECS CPD record and printed on the reverse of the ECS card.
They are eligible for the JIB Skills Development fund, meaning member companies can access funding to cover up to 75% of the cost of the courses for their employees.
Download the solar PV and EESS qualification handbooks
Watch our on-demand webinar
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Enhanced: Level 3 EV charge point installation qualification
Relaunched last autumn, our enhanced Level 3 Award in the Requirements for the Design and Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations is designed to ensure learners develop the highest level of competence and skills required by industry and the market.
It’s aligned with the latest industry standards and mapped to National Occupational Standards (NOS) as well as the Electrician Plus model.
The qualification is recognised by The Joint Industry Board & Electrotechnical Certification Scheme as recognised CPD for an ECS Gold Card Installation Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, or Domestic Electrician. The qualification can be contained in the MyECS CPD record and printed on the reverse of the ECS card.
It is eligible for the JIB Skills Development fund, meaning member companies can access funding to cover up to 75% of the cost of the courses for their employees.
Watch our on-demand support webinar
Download the EV charge point installation qualification handbook