As the need for green skilled professionals continues to rise, residents in Ashford have access to free upskilling courses.

Currently, 250,000 people maintain and upgrade the nation’s homes. However, more than 400,000 builders and retrofit professionals are needed.

Similarly, there are currently less than 3,000 retrofit coordinators – people trained to oversee the management and design of all retrofit measures – but forecasts suggest that 50,000 could be needed by 2030.

Also, only 3,000 heating engineers are trained to install heat pumps – this is less than 5% of the total plumbing and heating workforce.

In a bid to tackle the necessity for green skilled professionals, Ashford Borough Council has appointed East Kent Colleges Group to deliver specialist programmes. This has been made possible thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) provided by the Government.

The upskilling programmes means that residents in the Borough could be eligible for free classes in green skill-based programmes such as air source heat pump systems and retrofit.

The courses will be delivered at the Borough’s specialist local centre and have been specially designed to develop the emerging green technology workforce with the skills they need to help the district in its transition to a net-zero future.

Ashford residents also have access to a range of fully funded courses to support their career goals such as an aspiring leaders programme.

Speaking on the ever-growing need for green skilled individuals Shaun McDonagh, Head of Centre at the EKC Plumbing and Electrical Training Centre in Ashford, said: “Green skills are a growing part of the sector and will provide thousands of jobs so it’s brilliant that we can be a part of helping learners to get their qualifications.

“Our goal is to equip learners with the skills to work with cutting-edge technologies, including Air Source, Ground Source, Solar Thermal, and Infrared Systems.”

Similarly, green skills in construction are in high demand, with the Local Skills Improvement Plan highlighting the need for more of these skills in the locality.

Shaun added: “Being able to equip our students with skills ready for the future of renewable energy is crucial.

“The Green Skills provision provides learners with the opportunity to practice with the latest technologies, putting them in a strong position to apply for the ever-rising number of jobs requiring these specialist skills.”

All the courses have been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and are free to those who are eligible. Click here to find out more information.