According to new research from Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service, the UK’s shift to clean home energy is accelerating, and it’s opening the door to thousands of green job opportunities. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data shows a 145% rise in the proportion of homes listing a heat pump as their main heating source since 2020, alongside a 129% increase in homes with solar panels and a 36% rise in wind turbine installations. This rapid uptake of low-carbon technologies is fuelling demand for skilled workers who can install, maintain and optimise these systems. From solar and heat pump engineers to retrofit assessors and building performance experts, the technologies appearing on EPCs today are directly linked to some of the fastest-growing careers in the UK’s green economy. Job search data reflects this growing interest. Online searches for heat pump engineer roles have risen by 29% in the past year, with similar growth seen in thermal insulation engineer (+28%) and solar panel installer (+11%) searches. Strategic green roles are also on the rise: sustainability analyst searches are up 30%, and sustainability manager searches up 23%. Table 1: Fastest growing green job searches Job role Monthly searches Trending % Sustainability analyst jobs 210 30% Heat pump engineer jobs 260 29% Thermal insulation engineer jobs 320 28% Sustainability manager jobs 480 23% Sustainability consultant jobs 590 19% Ecologist jobs 1,900 14% Wind turbine technician jobs 1,300 11% Solar panel installer jobs 880 11% Source: Uswitch.com Employers are actively recruiting to meet this demand. More than 4,300 UK job adverts mention “building performance”, while “energy management” (2,430) and “clean technology” (2,427) appear in thousands more. Leadership and compliance skills are also in high demand, with over 1,000 listings each for terms like sustainable development (1,320), environmental compliance (1,197) and sustainable business (1,405). Table 2: Most in-demand sustainability skills in UK job adverts Skill mentioned # Job adverts Building Performance 4,329 Energy Management 2,430 Clean Technology 2,427 Sustainable Business 1,405 Sustainable Development 1,320 Environmental Compliance 1,197 Automation Systems 1,116 Environmental Technology 1,050 Source: Uswitch.com Salaries for green roles are often competitive, reflecting the technical expertise required. HVAC technicians top the chart at £41,358, followed by thermal insulation engineers (£39,536) and solar and wind engineers (£39,447). Even newer roles like retrofit assessor (£38,216) and sustainability consultant (£36,789) offer attractive earning potential. Heat pump installer roles, a key entry route into the sector, average £24,300. Table 3: Average salaries for green energy roles Job title Average salary HVAC Technician £41,358 Thermal Insulation Engineer £39,536 Solar Engineer £39,447 Wind Turbine Engineer £39,447 Green Building Consultant £38,880 Retrofit Assessor £38,216 Heat Pump Engineer £37,469 Sustainability Consultant £36,789 Smart Meter Installer £33,202 Retrofit Coordinator £32,448 Solar Installer £30,693 Heat Pump Installer £24,300 Source: Uswitch.com Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com comments: “The way we heat and power our homes is evolving, bringing new opportunities in green jobs and skills. “From heat pump engineers to sustainability analysts, there’s growing demand for people who can help make homes cleaner and more efficient. And with solar, wind and insulation tech becoming more mainstream, now’s the time to plug into a career that powers real change. “It’s also important to remember that making green savings doesn’t always mean installing new technology, simple changes in how we use energy, or switching to greener tariffs, can make a real difference.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Travis Perkins, the UK’s leading distributor of building materials, is pleased to share that its parent company, Travis Perkins plc, has been ranked one of the nation’s top apprenticeship employers. The building materials supplier ranked top in sector and 32nd in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, published by the Department for Education in partnership with apprenticeship review platform RateMyApprenticeship. Travis Perkins was also named the UK’s third best apprenticeship employer in the Construction, Property & Surveying category. Andy Rayner, the Director of Skills and Apprenticeships at Travis Perkins plc, said: “Being named a top UK apprenticeship employer is a testament to Travis Perkins’ deep commitment to nurturing talent. Our proud track record reflects not only the hard work of our colleagues and apprentices, but also the high-quality, impactful experiences we deliver, ultimately building a skilled and loyal workforce for a thriving industry.” The 2025 Top 100 list recognises organisations for: Travis Perkins currently offers over 40 award-winning apprenticeship programmes, from Level 2 to Level 7, delivered through our inhouse LEAP Apprenticeships & Early Careers programmes and through partnerships with Multiverse, Exeter University, BPP and the Open University. Travis Perkins’ apprenticeship scheme has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted across all assessment areas, with the builder’s merchant currently working on ambitions to bring 10,000 new people into the construction industry through these programmes by 2030. “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to upskill and help build the workforce for the future,” said Andy Rayner. “They offer people from all backgrounds an opportunity into sustainable and meaningful work, while helping businesses to address the growing skills gap.” A recent CV Genius survey found that three in four UK hiring managers questioned said that this skills gap is causing them to struggle to fill roles. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson praised all companies which made up the 2025 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, commenting: “Congratulations to all the employers recognised for their outstanding apprenticeship programmes. “They are delivering the skilled workforce we need to deliver our number one mission to grow the economy, and breaking down barriers for young people across the country.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) attended the Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire (SWM+W) celebration of the construction sector in the region at the special awards event in support of Benniman Ltd, one of their strategic partners. In her opening speech, Chair of the SWM+W Steering Group, Suzie Branch-Haddow, laid out the opportunities and challenges faced by the construction sector, drawing on the findings of a specially commissioned study on construction sector skills by Whitecap Consulting.  Suzie highlighted the critical role supporting skills development played by the FE sector which comprises 70 providers, employs nearly 10,000 people with 120,000 students participating in post-16 education. However, she also made clear there remains room for improvement with nearly 74% of regional employers not having engaged with post-16 education and training providers in the last five years.  Mo Horan, Vice Principal Apprenticeships, Partnerships & Skills, HoW College, said: “In the construction sector, there are clear opportunities to align education provision with industry demand. Employers have emphasised that they need a workforce equipped not only with technical skills but also with the adaptability and resilience to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. These insights will guide how we shape our curriculum and training programmes moving forward.” At the ceremony, Benniman Ltd and a selection of other organisations including; Balfour Beatty VINCI, Orton Group, Speller Metcalfe, and Taylor Wimpey were recognised for their investment in partnering with the further education sector. HoW and Benniman Ltd recently announced their partnership aimed at promoting career opportunities and curriculum development in the construction industry. The collaboration will focus on educating young people about essential roles, skills, and the current skills agenda surrounding sustainability, environmental issues, and health and safety legislation. Working together, this three-year commitment will assist in raising awareness of career pathways within the construction sector. Both organisations recognise the importance of equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in this vital industry. For more information about HoW College visit www.howcollege.ac.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The best construction trainees and apprentices from across the UK have been announced following this year’s SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers. The Regional Qualifier finalists all now progress to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final in November later this year. SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest and longest-running industry skills competition in the UK and has become a prestigious showcase for those in construction. This year, over 1,000 students battled it out across 10 construction trade categories during 16 Regional Qualifiers, each one day long, in which participants were assigned a task relevant to their trade. Eight students – the highest scorers in each category – will go head-to-head in the National Final at the Arena MK, Milton Keynes on 19–20 November, where the 10 winners will be crowned top of their trade. The three-day final will consist of competitors constructing a project within 18 hours, with an expert panel of judges assessing them on a number of characteristics – including technical ability, time management, problem solving, working under pressure, and compliance with health and safety requirements. With CITB’s annual industry forecast highlighting that 47,860 extra workers are needed per year from 2025–2029, SkillBuild continues to be an important platform to spotlight the industry and the opportunities available. Richard Bullock, Head of Careers Products at CITB, said: “Congratulations to all of the competitors progressing through to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final – it’s truly a great achievement for them. “In a time when construction skills are in high demand, it is more important than ever to spotlight the next generation of construction talent. SkillBuild continues to further this mission and is proud to demonstrate the value that a trainee or apprentice provides to their team. “The quality of participants never ceases to amaze me – I’m excited to see this year’s National Final and wish all the competitors the best of luck!” Josh Thompson, Painting and Decorating Judge, said: “Having been a former contestant myself, I know first-hand just how amazing a competition SkillBuild is, and I intend to pass on any words of wisdom I can do all the competitors. It’s so encouraging to see the enthusiasm from trainees and apprentices across the industry coming from all corners of the country. Good luck to everyone participating in the Final later this year!” CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors, supporters and strategic partners of this year’s SkillBuild competitions:BAL Adhesives, Band of Builders, Brick Development Association, British Gypsum, Careers Wales, CITB NI, Crown Paints, Festool, FIS, Institute of Carpenters, N&C Nicobond, NFRC, NSITG, Saint Gobain, Schluter, SPAX, Stablia, TARMAC, The Tile Association, Tilgear, Weber, Wienerberger, The Worshipful Company of Masons, and The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A new agreement signed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Department for Work and Pensions will enable thousands of people to benefit from on-the-job training and career opportunities in the construction sector. Roles ranging from project managers to bricklayers will be made available to jobseekers thanks to the agreement, which will mean Jobcentres working more closely with the construction industry to offer work experience and tailored placements to meet the need of employers and people looking to start a fulfilling career.    The agreement, signed earlier this week at the newly-launched Green Plant Academy at the Earls Court Skills Centre, is a major step in the Government’s drive to get Britain building and get Britain working as part of its Plan for Change.    More than 40,000 industry placements will be funded through a further £100 million from the government, alongside a £32 million contribution from the CITB. It comes as the Deputy Prime Minister co-chaired the first Construction Skills Mission Board earlier this week with Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council. Alongside Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Industry Sarah Jones, and several CEOs and sector leaders – including CITB CEO Tim Balcon – the Mission Board launched an industry commitment to recruit 100,000 more construction workers per year by the end of the Parliament. This will be a step-change for the construction sector, creating good jobs across the country to deliver on government’s housing and infrastructure commitments, including building 1.5 million homes over this Parliament and delivery of the 10-year infrastructure strategy.   Ministers will highlight major reforms to transform Jobcentres as well as the £625 million investment to tackle skills shortages in the construction sector – expected to create up to 60,000 more jobs for engineers, electricians and joiners by the end of the parliament.  Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “Building 1.5 million homes takes investment, skills, and a government that’s ready to roll up its sleeves to deliver. And that is exactly what we are doing. Our Plan for Change commits to delivering the biggest boost for affordable and social housing in a generation, which we’ve backed with a £39 billion investment over ten years.  “We’re working hand-in-hand with industry to recruit thousands more workers into skilled construction jobs, and thanks to our Make Work Pay reforms we will ensure these jobs are more secure and better rewarded.”  Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “I am determined that our young people have the best start in life. To do this we must give them the tools they need to get ahead. This agreement, alongside our record funding will do just that. Our welfare reforms will see the biggest investment in a generation to support disabled people into secure, well-paid work. Our Plan for Change will deliver the jobs, homes and opportunities we need to build a stronger and more prosperous Britain.”   Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “The construction sector is on the frontline in our mission to grow the economy, giving more people skilled jobs building the homes and infrastructure we need. Through our Plan for Change we are determined to break the link between background and success, so that more young people can get on in well paid careers.  “The Construction Skills Mission Board will make sure we hear directly from employers about what their skills needs are, driving our reforms and helping more young people achieve and thrive.”  Tim Balcon, CITB CEO, said: “Opportunities in construction are for everybody, whatever their background. By working together, we can widen the talent pool, bring in more diverse voices, and encourage more people to consider a career in construction.  “Every year, over 100,000 people receive construction training. I want many more of them to forge lasting careers in the sector. This is why the partnership with DWP is so vital, as it helps ensure individuals are not just trained but truly prepared for careers in construction.   “The Government commitment to addressing the housing shortage, improving the country’s infrastructure, and investing in construction skills mean this is a real boom time for our industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

One of the UK’s fastest growing principal contractors has pledged to boost spending on its Early Years’ Talent Academy as part of its 15th anniversary celebrations.  Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, is increasing its investment to £150,000 per year to help fight the growing skills gap facing the construction sector.  This will encompass an even more comprehensive programme, offering apprenticeships, on-the-job learning, formal qualifications and one-to-one mentoring from its senior leadership team.  It has been specially designed to attract individuals into the sector and, importantly, retain existing talent who are being tempted into different opportunities. By offering acceleration of their personal development and career path they can clearly see their future at Inco Contracts.  The Early Years’ Talent Academy has been a resounding success so far for the business, with six young people trained from the basics into highly skilled professionals with some already progressing into managerial positions.  “Skills are a growing issue for our sector and our ability to grow. Rather than stand still, we decided to take positive action and create our own training programme,” explained Operations Director Sam Norton, who led the MBO with Managing Director David Cotterill in 2020.  “This has been a fantastic initiative for attracting young talent to join us as a fledgling contractor and we wanted to further renew our commitment to this. Our 15th anniversary felt like the perfect opportunity to extend it by increasing the funding to £150,000.” He continued: “We provide real project-based experience from day one, setting us apart from our competitors, with a progression pathway aligned with their personal goals. There is also company-funded education at College or University in place to deliver the best all-rounded team member. “Annual growth is running at around 20% and we can’t completely rely on the existing labour pool if we want to maintain this level of expansion. Growing our own talent is the preferred option to address the skills shortage and I’m delighted that we have given our proven scheme an ‘anniversary boost’.”  Inco Contracts is a specialist in industrial, commercial and education refurbishment schemes across the UK, completing hundreds of projects every year.  These often tend to be turnkey in nature and involve the company working alongside architects, designers, and landlords to bring warehouse, educational establishments and office space back to life or to the required modern-day standards.  Services provided range from industrial roof and cladding, dilapidation schemes and external groundwork packages to building services, M&E installations, strip-outs and demolition, not to mention heritage and conservation work.  Beyond the Early Years’ Talent Academy, the business also offers CPD for all of its 55-strong workforce as part of a regular 6-month appraisal scheme.  This clearly defines a personalised action plan to further support their role and provide upskilling opportunities.  Managing Director David Cotterill, added his support: “It’s well documented that the construction industry has been experiencing skills shortage issues for some time, so it’s crucial that we deliver talent from the ground up. “By doing this we’re helping address the ‘gap’ and create opportunities for people who might otherwise be overlooked by the sector. Our goal is to make construction more accessible, modern and rewarding. In a tight labour market, the companies that invest in people will be the ones that continue to thrive.” Harry Merrick was one of the first people to be enrolled into the Inco Contracts’ Early Years Talent Scheme, joining as Trainee Contracts Manager in 2020. He progressed to Assistant Contracts Manager just twelve months later and quickly secured his Level 3 BTEC in Construction and the Built Environment, before embarking on a five-year HNC in Construction Management at Birmingham City University. The 21-year-old from Walsall has made equally impressive strides in the workplace, recently leading a tender that secured a near £1m industrial refurbishment project in Nottinghamshire. Harry, who is also hoping to achieve Chartered status with the Chartered Institute of Building, commented: “I’d recommend this scheme to anyone entering construction. I’ve had a clear pathway from day one and lots of mentoring from experienced professionals that has accelerated my practical knowledge. “My sights are now set on the next step in my career, which will be the Contracts Manager role and then who knows…maybe one of the senior management team. Working with an independent contractor has fast-tracked my development in this sector.” Inco Contracts is planning several special events and announcements through the year to tie in with its 15th anniversary, which officially takes place in July.  For further information, please visit www.incocontracts.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leeds College of Building Level 1 Plastering student Reece Williams has been named ‘Student of the Year’ by partners at British Gypsum.  His tutor Liam Addinall said he was “so pleased” for Reece, whose hard work over the year was rewarded with a trophy, a trowel set, and a gift voucher.  Liam described Reece as “an outstanding student,” adding: “When he first joined my class as a full-time learner, he had very little prior experience in plastering. Since then, his progress has been exceptional.  “Reece approaches every lesson with enthusiasm, arrives on time, and is always keen to improve. He’s been an absolute pleasure to teach. This award is well deserved, and I have no doubt there are big things ahead – possibly even SkillBuild!” When asked how he felt about winning the award, Reece said, “I feel good. I didn’t expect to be nominated by so many teachers, but I’m happy my work has paid off.” For any students wishing to follow in his footsteps, Reece said his main piece of advice was to just focus. “Ignore any outside distractions like going out partying. Just focus on your work because obviously this is your future. You want to earn money. You want to work your way up.” After presenting Reece with his award Ryan Seeley and Pete Baum, both Skills Partnership Managers for British Gypsum, took the opportunity to track the progress of students enrolled on another partnership initiative.  The ‘Site Ready Skimming Course’, also known as ‘Skim School’, is an in-house training programme provided by British Gypsum in collaboration with Leeds College of Building.  The course, now in its fourth year, was set up to help Level 1 and Level 2 students enhance their plastering skills and bolster their employability prospects.  Reflecting on the programme, Pete said: “It’s one of our most well developed and high achieving courses. We run it all over the country and do lead by example with the quality that’s coming out of it. “We had great success last year with every student achieving a distinction mark on the end-course assessment, and all our learners going out into industry working as plasterers.  “For us at British Gypsum, the positives are that we get to meet with the students, watch their progress throughout the course, and then follow them into the industry.” Leeds College of Building and British Gypsum have been partners for more than 15 years, with Ryan describing ‘Skim School’ as British Gypsum’s way of supporting colleges with plastering provisions that provide the opportunity to use authentic materials while training. “Rather than just using things like sand and lime, which replicate the real world, they use materials that they’ll actually be using day-to-day. “We also provide the ‘Student of the Year’ trophy, which enables us to start a relationship with new plasterers coming into the industry and then be able to encourage them and follow them all the way through.” Skim School student Lisa Averay-Jones, who initially came to Leeds College of Building to study joinery before ending up on plastering, says the course has taught her “everything.” Prior to joining Leeds College of Building Lisa had never even put plaster on a wall but has since gone from a complete beginner to someone who knows how to mix properly, work out timings, pressure, health and safety regulations, and more.  Find out more about plastering on the new Leeds College of Building website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morson Group, a global leader in talent solutions, has completed the acquisition of 3B Training, a Wigan-based specialist provider of health and safety training in the construction sector. The acquisition marks a significant step in Morson’s strategic expansion of their training capability and reinforces its position as one of the largest and most influential providers of applied, supplied, deployed and developed talent worldwide. Founded in 2011 by Executive Chairman Dave Brooks and Managing Director Mat Bewley, 3B Training has a rich history of providing recognised training in the construction sector. Since its foundation, 3B has grown to be one of the UK’s largest construction training providers and has developed a national presence, including offices across the North West, Yorkshire and Midlands. Under the leadership of Managing Director Mat Bewley, the team brings significant industry expertise and provides a comprehensive suite of practical training services, online training, eLearning and NVQs. At a time when the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise—driven by widespread labour shortages, an ageing workforce, and evolving infrastructure investment—training has never been more important. The integration of 3B Training into the Morson family significantly enhances Morson’s ability to develop and deploy deep talent pools, delivering industry-ready individuals who can immediately add value in high-demand sectors. A shared philosophy, strong cultural alignment, and complementary capabilities make this acquisition a natural and exciting next step. For now, it will be business as usual as leadership teams collaborate to enhance both organisations’ operations and ensure a seamless integration. Morson Group CEO Ged Mason commented: “This acquisition represents a key strategic move to develop Morson Group’s training business, with 3B’s suite of construction offerings complementing Morson Training’s established and substantial expertise across rail and power. The synergies between Morson Training and 3B Training will create an enviable training and development unit for the Group. I look forward to seeing the business integrate and collaborate over the coming months to deliver even greater value for our clients and people.” Mat Bewley, Managing Director at 3B Training, said: “Joining the Morson Group marks an exciting new chapter for 3B Training. We’ve always been passionate about delivering industry-leading training and this acquisition allows us to scale that ambition even further. Being part of Morson Group will broaden our reach, enhance our offering, and ensure we continue to deliver the high-quality service our clients know and trust. We’re proud to be part of a group that shares our values and vision for the future of skills development.” Matthew Leavis, Morson Group Training Director, said: “This acquisition is a strong strategic move, bringing together two organisations that share a commitment to quality and client service. The synergy between us will support growth across our key markets and enhance the value we deliver to clients. It’s a positive step that strengthens our collective offer and positions us well for the future.”Morson was advised by Beyond Corporate and RSM UK Corporate Finance LLP. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The National Masonry Academy (NMA) is proud to announce that it has been officially recognised as a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO), marking a major milestone in the delivery of specialist, high-quality masonry training in the UK construction sector. As a CITB ATO, the NMA is now authorised to deliver short-duration training, qualifications, and continuing professional development (CPD) that meet nationally recognised standards and align with current industry legislation. This recognition enables construction employers to access CITB grant support for eligible training delivered by the Academy, helping to drive workforce competence, safety, and career progression. The National Masonry Academy forms part of the wider National Construction Academy group, with a flagship training facility based in Sheffield. It will provide on and off-site training tailored to real-world site conditions, covering everything from entry-level diplomas and apprenticeship programmes to manufacturer-led product accreditation and upskilling for professionals. The academy will also deliver robust training initiatives for ex-offenders and ex-veterans, supporting social mobility through industry skills. Eve Livett, Chief Executive Officer of the National Masonry Academy, said: “Achieving ATO status is not just about a badge, it’s about trust, quality, and our responsibility to deliver training that genuinely supports the future of construction. The masonry sector has unique training needs, and we are now better placed than ever to meet them. This recognition from CITB validates The National Masonry Academy’s approach and opens the door for employers to access funded, fit-for-purpose skills development that strengthens safety, compliance, and career pathways.” The Academy is the dedicated training arm of the Masonry Association of Great Britain and benefits from deep industry integration, including collaboration with contractors, suppliers across the EU and beyond, and international trade bodies. This ensures that NMA training remains relevant, future-focused, and responsive to evolving market demands. The Sheffield facility includes space for both theoretical and practical training, as well as accommodation for trainees travelling from across the UK. Crucially, the Academy is supported by global suppliers, enabling it to provide access to the latest tools, materials, and technologies. Manufacturers are also invited to use the site to deliver bespoke training and registered installer programmes. With plans to introduce NVQ and diploma training in the coming months and to onboard its first apprenticeship cohort in January 2026, the National Masonry Academy is poised to become the UK’s leading centre for masonry training and education. By strengthening compliance with the Building Safety Act and wider government initiatives, and by unlocking funded training through the CITB levy system, the NMA is now ideally placed to support the upskilling and development of the UK construction workforce. For more information about training opportunities or to enquire about partnerships, visit: https://nationalmasonry.academy For course bookings or partnership enquiries, contact: training@nationalmasonry.academy Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals