An Introduction to the Green Skills Advisory Panel in the South West
Along with delivering procurement solutions and fully compliant frameworks, the South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA) place great importance on our Social Value Strategy and our mission to ensure we are improving lives and places through quality procurement solutions. Part of this mission is to dedicate support and collaboration to regional upskilling, green skills and positive environmental changes.
A healthy environment directly impacts the quality of life for everyone, providing clean air, water, and green spaces for recreation and social engagement. A clean and sustainable environment attracts investment and businesses, fostering economic growth and prosperity within local communities. Thus, prioritising the health of the planet and local environment is essential for ensuring the well-being, resilience, and prosperity of local communities now and for future generations.
The SWPA team were lucky enough to be able to attend their first Green Skills Advisory Panel (GSAP) Summit in the South West, held at the Exeter College Future Skills Centre on Thursday, 3rd October 2024. GSAP is a member-led committee of building services, housing, and construction businesses, supported by local authorities, charities, and training providers across the United Kingdom.
The group exists to improve and develop sustainable training and education opportunities for the housing, construction, engineering and manufacturing industries with the aim to close the skills gap throughout the UK. GSAP provides training, education, jobs, and careers to better understand and embrace the green revolution.
GSAP’s mission is to close the skills gap and support UK net zero objectives by shaping skills, training, and education. Their vision is to foster a proactive GSAP community that collaborates across industries to attract new talent to the sector while also providing robust support for the existing workforce. GSAP revolves around three pivotal pillars – Awareness, Outreach & Careers Initiatives, Partnerships & Collaboration and Education & Training Programmes.
GSAP’s Summit in the South West was an impressive demonstration of how effective and informative it is to bring specialists together from within the construction, engineering and manufacturing industries, and further afield, to share best practice, ideas, initiatives, and lobby for change.
The event was sponsored by NOCN Group and K Systems, and the audience was welcomed by the chair AJ Eaton, followed by a variety of speakers and groups. Amongst others, we heard from the winning teams from the Ted Wragg Trust for the Innovation Competition 2024, along with Dr Spencer Pitfield OBE, Senior Advisor at College Green Group and Ellen Roger, Energy Programme Manager at Devon County Council, to name but a few.
Exeter College, who project manage GSAP run multiple programmes to improve and diversify the green skills offering, focusing on awareness courses such as solar, retrofit, insulation and heat pumps. The programmes are aimed at anyone who wants to know more about the Green Skills agenda or who is currently involved in construction and wants to diversify. This could include homeowners, tenants, landlords, trades professionals and students.
Exeter College offers a wide range of green construction courses that are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of sustainable building practices. The green construction courses cover a diverse range of topics, ensuring learners receive comprehensive training and education in sustainable building practices.
To find out more, and apply for the courses, scan this code:
