Zero Waste Week is an annual global initiative aimed at promoting waste reduction and sustainable living practices. It serves as a catalyst for individuals, communities, and organisations to reassess their consumption habits and adopt strategies that minimize waste, conserve resources, and reduce their environmental footprint. This movement complements Quantum Group’s mission to provide innovative, practical training solutions that foster green skills development and advance toward a net-zero future. You can find out more about Zero Waste Week here.
At Quantum Group, we are committed to moving from a “take, make, dispose” model to a circular economy, where resources are reused and recycled. With rising carbon emissions and slow renewable energy adoption, effective solutions are crucial. As the UK aims to cut carbon emissions by 68% by 2030 (GOV.UK, 2021), Quantum Group addresses these challenges through specialized training in renewable technologies like heat pumps and solar panels, equipping learners with essential skills for a low-carbon economy and ambitious climate goals.
Following Zero Waste Week, the development of green skills becomes even more critical. Green skills encompass a wide range of knowledge and abilities essential for living and working sustainably, from basic actions like sorting waste correctly to more advanced practices like repairing, repurposing items, and installing renewable energy systems. Quantum Group is at the forefront of this movement by collaborating with educational institutions to provide practical, hands-on training bays that bridge the gap between theory and practical application.
A critical part of reducing carbon emissions and waste in the UK involves improving the energy efficiency of homes. According to the UK Government’s Climate Change Committee, around 19 million heat pumps need to be installed by 2050 to meet the UK’s net-zero targets (Climate Change Committee, 2020). Currently, there are only about 1.2 million heat pumps installed across the country (GOV.UK, 2021). Quantum Group’s training facilities are designed to educate learners on sustainable practices like installing and maintaining heat pumps and other renewable energy systems. Through our renewable energy training bays, we provide hands-on experience that simulates real-world applications, helping learners develop critical green skills.
Quantum Group is dedicated to addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the green economy by integrating renewable energy technologies into our training programs. As the global renewable energy sector continues to expand, with an expected increase in jobs related to green technologies, it’s crucial to equip the workforce with the necessary skills. Our bespoke training bays, featuring technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps, and other low-carbon solutions, provide learners with hands-on experience in installing and maintaining these systems. This practical training is essential for preparing the next generation of professionals to meet the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
A shift to a greener economy could create 24 million new jobs worldwide by 2030 (www.ilo.org, 2018). Quantum Group’s training courses are designed to equip learners with the necessary skills to fill these roles and contribute to a sustainable future.
Quantum Group champions the circular economy by offering practical solutions for sustainable living. For example, our Renewable Energy Demonstration Units provide compact, mobile learning tools that can fit into smaller spaces, making green training accessible to more institutions. These units allow learners to gain hands-on experience with technologies that promote resource conservation, such as infrared-simulated solar PV systems.
Transitioning to a greener economy requires new skills across many sectors, particularly in plumbing, heating, and electrical industries. As the global demand for green skills outpaces supply, the need for focused education and training becomes urgent. In the UK, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 relies heavily on equipping workers with the ability to implement sustainable practices.
The UK’s “Green Skills in Education and Employment” report highlights the critical role that green skills play in reaching national climate targets, particularly in these sectors. Meanwhile, LinkedIn’s “Green Skills Report 2023” shows a global surge in demand for green skills, with job postings requiring such skills increasing by 22.4% between 2022 and 2023, outpacing the growth of green talent in the workforce, which increased by just 12.3% during the same period (Linkedin, 2023).
The plumbing sector is adapting to environmentally friendly technologies by incorporating water-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and sustainable materials. Key skills now needed include:
In the heating industry, the move toward energy-efficient and renewable heating solutions is rapidly growing. Essential skills include:
The electrical industry focuses on renewable energy and smart technologies. Electricians must be skilled in:
The UK’s commitment to net-zero targets by 2050 is driving an increasing demand for green skills in these sectors. However, the global perspective highlights that many countries face similar challenges. As industries worldwide seek to close the gap between green skill demand and supply, a coordinated effort to enhance green education and training is essential.
The LinkedIn Global Green Skills Report 2023 reveals a significant gap in green skills across the global workforce, with only about 12% of workers currently possessing one or more green skills. This shortfall is increasingly problematic as the demand for green skills continues to escalate across both traditional and emerging sectors.
To address this challenge, it is crucial to enhance the availability and appeal of green skills training programs. Governments, educational institutions, and industry experts must collaborate to develop relevant courses and qualifications tailored to the evolving needs of both employers and employees. By making green training more accessible and engaging, we can better equip the workforce to meet the rising demand for sustainability-focused roles and ensure a smoother transition to a greener economy.
To meet these demands, the UK and other countries must invest in education and training programs, including apprenticeships and vocational training, to build a workforce equipped with the necessary green skills. Strategic investments in this area not only address environmental challenges but also create significant economic opportunities.
Quantum Group is dedicated to developing a green workforce through accredited training courses in heating, plumbing, and renewable technologies. With up to 694,000 green jobs needed in the UK by 2030(www.local.gov.uk), our programs aim to bridge the skills gap and prepare learners for sustainability-focused careers.
One of our recent successes is the collaboration with Buckinghamshire College Group at the Aylesbury Campus Green Skills Hub. Completed in under two months, the Hub offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge renewable technologies and is a testament to Quantum Group’s commitment to delivering real-world training solutions.
Matthew Cappell, Director for Construction and Technology at Buckinghamshire College Group, noted:
“Quantum’s been the go-to people for this sort of installation for renewables. The workmanship is top quality, and our learners have been enriched by watching it come together. This is going to revolutionise Buckinghamshire’s renewable prospectus.”
You can read more testimonials and case studies about the work we have done here.
At Quantum Group, we are dedicated to addressing the green skills gap and accelerating the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy. As a leading decarbonisation specialist and renewable training provider, we offer a range of innovative training products and services designed to equip learners with the essential skills needed to drive a sustainable future.
We partner with colleges and training institutions to provide comprehensive renewable training facilities, tailored to their specific needs. Our unique offering includes designing, supplying, and installing bespoke training bays that provide practical, hands-on learning experiences for learners.
Our training bays offer comprehensive, hands-on experiences for each renewable technology. For instance, heat pump training includes three types of bays: the Working System Bay shows a complete installation with underfloor heating; the Install Bay allows practical tasks like commissioning and pipework exchange; and the Fault Finding Bay features simulated faults for troubleshooting practice. This setup ensures a smooth learning progression and skill development.
If space is a constraint, we offer flexible solutions such as bespoke bays that can be adjusted in size to fit your available space. Additionally, we can provide multi-technology bays that combine several low-carbon technologies into one system, allowing learners to understand how these technologies work together to provide comprehensive energy solutions. For example, a combined system might include solar PV, battery storage, and an EV charging setup to demonstrate how these components integrate effectively.
Our approach goes beyond just installation. We provide simulated environments that replicate real-world scenarios without the need for complex installations. For instance, solar PV training can be conducted using infrared lighting to simulate energy production, eliminating the need for roof installations and providing a more cost-effective and flexible training solution.
We also provide a toolkit with every bay order, which includes all the necessary tools for practical learning, making it easier for learners to engage with the equipment. This ensures that institutions are fully equipped to deliver effective training without needing additional resources.
In addition to the practical training infrastructure, we have developed a range of courses that complement our training bays. These courses, created in collaboration with industry leaders like Daikin UK, cover a broad spectrum of low-carbon technologies and are designed to be accessible to all learners, from those just starting their careers to seasoned professionals looking to upskill. Our Level 2 courses, for example, provide an excellent foundation for learners, with a curriculum that contextualizes the importance of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, making the bigger picture clear and motivating for students.
Our training solutions are also ideal for adult education and evening classes, providing a stepping stone for those looking to enter or advance in the renewable energy sector. We offer full support to instructors, including comprehensive course materials, slides, and breakdowns to simplify teaching and maximize the learning experience for students.
At Quantum, our mission is to bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing immersive and hands-on renewable training experiences. We remain committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, enabling us to lead the way in driving the green transition and achieving a sustainable future.
If you have any questions or would like to explore how our training bays and courses can benefit your institution, please feel free to reach out to [email protected].
Whether you are an individual, a business, or a community group, Quantum Group encourages you to get involved in ongoing waste reduction and sustainability efforts. By setting personal or organisational goals to reduce waste, embracing green skills training, and participating in community initiatives, you can play a vital role in building a sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference—every small action, from refusing unnecessary packaging to learning how to install renewable energy systems, contributes to a larger movement toward sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Climate Change Committee (2020). Sixth Carbon Budget. [online] Climate Change Committee. Available at: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/sixth-carbon-budget/.
GOV.UK (2021). Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener. [online] GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy.
Linkedin (2023). Global Green Skills Report 2023. [online] Available at: https://economicgraph.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/economicgraph/en-us/global-green-skills-report/green-skills-report-2023.pdf.
www.ilo.org. (2018a). 24 million jobs to open up in the green economy | International Labour Organization. [online] Available at: https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/24-million-jobs-open-green-economy-0#:~:text=ILO%20flagship%20report%20estimates%20job.
www.ilo.org. (2018b). World Employment and Social Outlook 2018: Greening with jobs | International Labour Organization. [online] Available at: https://www.ilo.org/publications/world-employment-and-social-outlook-2018-greening-jobs.
www.local.gov.uk. (n.d.). Local green jobs – accelerating a sustainable economic recovery | Local Government Association. [online] Available at: https://www.local.gov.uk/local-green-jobs-accelerating-sustainable-economic-recovery#:~:text=In%202018%20there%20were%20185%2C000.
Zero Waste Week. (n.d.). Zero Waste Week UK. [online] Available at: https://www.zerowasteweek.co.uk/zero-waste-uk/.
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