The UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is transforming the workforce, creating strong demand for new expertise in sustainable construction, renewable energy, and low-carbon technologies. In direct response, NOCN Group and Quantum have formed a partnership to facilitate Skills Bootcamps and Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), revolutionising green skills training. These initiatives bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled talent for the green economy.
To realise a true circular economy, it’s essential that all stakeholders benefit—from young people entering the sector, those transitioning in their career, or those experienced professionals who can share their knowledge together with the employer, there must be benefit to all. While the physical demands of some roles can limit long-term participation, there remains a vital need to keep workers employed and engaged. By redirecting skills and experience from the workplace into the classroom, we recognise that many in this sector may not have considered education as a pathway, especially if they have limited prior academic experience. Leveraging the expertise of older generations offers a unique opportunity to ‘re-purpose’ valuable industry knowledge, making it accessible to the next generation of workers. Ensuring that English if it not a first language and Mathematics, all very much needed for the workplace, for dealing with customers to site surveys and calculations are all an essential part of employability skills and are embedded within these programmes.
This cyclical approach ensures that learning and experience are continuously exchanged, supporting both personal development and sector-wide growth.
See our Bootcamp/SWAPs bundles.
Joining Forces to Bridge the Green Skills Divide
Quantum, a leader in decarbonisation and renewables training, has partnered with NOCN Group, a global skills charity and qualification provider. Together, they are addressing the urgent shortage of skilled workers in the built environment sector. Their collaboration provides Ofqual-regulated, industry-driven qualifications and hands-on training, equipping learners with the technical and practical skills essential for the green transition.
These essential green skills can be delivered at a wide range of advanced training centres, offering significant benefits to learners, including:
- Low Carbon Training Facilities: Learners gain hands-on experience installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting green technologies at dedicated centres across educational institutions and adult learning providers. These facilities are equipped with the latest tools and systems to simulate real-world scenarios.
- Retrofit Training Facilities: Training in this area focuses on critical skills such as insulation, ventilation, and airtightness—key components for upgrading buildings to be more energy efficient.
Our training is designed for a diverse audience, including students, apprentices, engineers, career changers, and tutors—catering to everyone from entry-level learners to experienced professionals. This broad approach ensures that all participants, regardless of prior experience, can develop the competencies needed for the evolving green economy.
What to expect from these programmes:
Skills Bootcamps (Typically, 6-10 weeks)
Skills Bootcamps are flexible training courses up to 16 weeks, with a guaranteed job interview (where a candidate is being recruited to a new job) or new opportunities. Skills Bootcamps equip adults with technical skills that enable them to access in-demand jobs, apprenticeships, and new opportunities (including for the self-employed) leading to increased income and productivity.
· Focus: Intensive, short-term courses on sustainability, energy efficiency, renewable technologies and green construction.
· Audience: New entrants and those transitioning into green sectors.
· Outcome: Job-ready candidates with government-backed, industry-recognised qualifications.
SWAPs (Sector-based Work Academy Programmes 6–12 weeks)
Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) are short-term, government-funded training programmes designed to support jobseekers aged 16 and over in transitioning into employment. Delivered in collaboration with employers, Jobcentre Plus, and training providers, these programmes typically include:
- Pre-employment training tailored to specific industries, including green construction
- Fast-track learners into employment by aligning training with employer needs.
- Guaranteed job interviews or application support
Benefits to employers include:
- The ability to assess candidate suitability before hiring
- Access to a pool of pre-trained, motivated candidates
- Reduced recruitment costs and time
These programmes are fully government-funded, with additional support available for participants.
Whether you’re an existing NOCN Group Centre or looking to join, simply fill out the form below and the NOCN team will be in touch to help you take the next step.
Contact NOCN Group: https://www.nocn.org.uk/contact/
