To celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on May 6th, 2023. Six green apprenticeships received special recognition.
All six were selected to carry the official Coronation emblem for their contribution to building a workforce equipped with the skills needed for a net zero economy. These apprenticeships - in fields that include low carbon heating, electrical installations, rural conservation and forestry - were also chosen to reflect the King's long-standing commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment.
Achieving recognition with the official Coronation emblem marked a significant milestone for the six green apprenticeships. As we delve into the realm of green apprenticeships, we explore ongoing efforts to enhance the environmental sustainability of all apprentice standards and qualifications in the UK. Being marked with the official Coronation emblem was a huge achievement for the six green apprenticeships.
They were chosen from a list of 200 by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), because of their notable contribution to providing skills training for a low carbon economy.
Encompassing a diverse range of industry sectors and qualification levels, the six were:
Designed by employers working with IfATE, these apprenticeships, says the UK government, represent the 'gold standard for green skills that will pave the way for hundreds more'.
A key part of this aim is to extend those green credentials honoured in the Coronation year to all standards and qualifications. And to further this goal, IfATE launched its Green Toolkit at the end of 2023.
As an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Education, IfATE works with employers to 'develop, approve and revise apprenticeship and technical qualifications' as skills requirements change.
IfATE wants to see a foundational green competence for all learners, and, where appropriate, the development of specific skills, knowledge, and behaviours (KSBs) as well as the encouragement of green leadership and innovation skills.
The toolkit sets out the need for green, what counts as a green occupation and green behaviours and covers the six 'green themes' of Carbon, Energy Sources and Usage Resource Management, Procurement and Full-Life Decisions, Consequences and Opportunities, Data and Innovation Resilience and Adaptation and Preparation.
Its guidance has been tailored to meet the needs of different users, including awarding bodies and route panels members - employers who as industry experts, work with IfATE to make sure that technical education fulfils their sectors' skills requirements.
With the UK government committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, employers are under growing pressure to improve their sustainability and environmental credentials. Immediate measures that can be taken include reducing the amount of business waste that goes into landfill, using energy efficient heating and lighting, recycling packaging and, of course, shifting the management of vocational training from paper to online.
To meet the challenges of climate change - and to comply with environmental regulations - going green is no longer optional - it's a necessity. To prepare for a more sustainable future, employers will need to think green in everything they do - starting with building a workforce with the right skills and KSBs.
As the UK's leading provider of software for vocational training, we're seeing thousands of colleges, training providers, universities, local authorities and employers reduce their environmental impact and maximise sustainability by shifting the management of vocational training from paper, to online.
So, before you beat yourself up for 'NOT DOING ENOUGH' click below to see four ways you can help reduce emissions by using Onefile - maybe without even realising.