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Green Skills and Sustainability

Green skills and Sustainability

The transition away from carbon to full sustainability by 2050 is essential for the future of our society. The collective responsibility is now understood and can be seen in how momentum has been gaining traction across the globe. It is recognised that training providers, employers and learners all have a role to play. The skills system is already changing as a result.

The Skills System

The changes required to build thriving; sustainable economies are substantial. The career landscape is being heavily impacted, with some jobs reducing, others increasing, and the addition of new jobs.

It’s now crucial to develop the skills needed to build this robust, highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of a more sustainable world.

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The Future is Green: Building the skills to create a sustainable world

City & Guilds are committed to playing our part in connecting the right people to the right jobs through our range of high-quality skills development and training programmes that are future-focused, industry-relevant and transferable.

We’ve worked with industry specialists to develop cross-sector units and qualifications that meet the industry standards required to support the transition to net zero. Our learners have an edge in the sector and are valued by employers, while embedded digital credentials enable career progression by showcasing individuals’ learning, skills and talents.

Explore our range of green and sustainability qualifications currently available:  

Automotive

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  • Automotive Maintenance and Repair Qualifications - Electric and Hybrid vehicles (7290)

Level 1 - 4

These qualifications have been developed using the latest National Occupational Standards and incorporate the latest knowledge and skills for some of the most exciting and fastest-growing areas in automotive industry, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and electric vehicle technology. These qualifications are suitable for anyone interested in starting or developing a career in the motor industry.

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Building Services Industry

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  • Small Solar Photovoltaic Systems (2922)

This qualification provides a comprehensive understanding of the specific and supplementary requirements related to the design, installation, and maintenance of solar photovoltaic systems, in domestic and small commercial settings. These requirements align with the current IET Code of Practice for Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems and the most relevant Regulations in relation to solar PV infrastructure.

This qualification is aligned with the MCS requirements.

This qualification is designed as CPD for qualified electricians to be able to install and maintain small solar PV systems. By completing this qualification, electricians can enhance their expertise in regard to solar PV infrastructure, with the aim of ensuring safe and efficient installations.

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  • Small Electrical Energy Storage Systems (2923)

This qualification provides the knowledge, understanding and skills required for the design, installation and maintenance of electrical energy storage systems (EESS).

It includes a range of relevant outcomes covering statutory legislation applicable to EESS, the principles of batteries and EESS, how to specify and design EESS, installation, inspection and testing, and handover of an EESS.

This qualification aligned with the MCS requirements.

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  • Electric Vehicle Charging Installation Qualifications (2921)

Level 3

City & Guilds has worked with employers and key industry bodies to co-design a new flagship portfolio of EV Charging design and installation qualifications that set a new skills standard across the UK. These qualifications are approved by the ECS, allowing existing gold card members to add this new suite of qualifications onto their card to showcase their recognised ability to carry out EVC installation services across public and commercial sites.

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  • Retrofit Qualifications (7618)

Our Retrofit qualifications have been developed in collaboration with industry specialists to develop knowledge of the requirements involved in retrofitting (PAS 2035), and how this impacts the installation and preparation of a property retrofit system. The qualification is suitable for both tradespeople with and without prior experience in retrofit (electricians, joiners, plumbers, plasterers, bricklayers, etc.) who may wish to work in related retrofit professional roles such as retrofit assessor as well as those who wish to advance their knowledge of retrofit in the construction industry. 

Access the Retrofit qualifications flyer >

Access the Welsh version of the flyer >

Explore the Retrofit career pathway opportunities >

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  • Building Services Studies Qualification (7201)

Level 1

Our Building Services Studies qualification allows learners to gain knowledge and develop and practice the core skills required for employment and/or career progression in building services, plumbing, or electrical work. The qualification is suitable for those wanting to enter the building services, electrical, or plumbing industries, with the opportunity to progress to our Level 2 or Level 3 Plumbing or Electrical Installation qualifications.

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  • Plumbing and Domestic Heating Qualifications (6189)

Level 2 & 3

Our Plumbing and Domestic Heating qualifications develop the skills and knowledge to the standard that’s recognised by the industry for a successful career in domestic plumbing and heating. The qualifications cover knowledge across a range of areas, including domestic hot- and cold-water systems, central heating systems, sanitation systems, environmental technologies, and matters of gas safety. These qualifications are suitable for those who want to work within the mechanical engineering services sector and wish to progress as a qualified plumber or heating engineer.

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  • Electrotechnical in Dwellings Qualification (Domestic Electrician) (5393)

Level 3

This new Level 3 Apprenticeship standard is for learners wishing to become competent Domestic Electricians. Domestic electricians work in domestic properties such as homes, dwellings, or individual units in e.g. care homes, apartment buildings and student accommodation, rather than in their communal areas, or on commercial or industrial building sites. These qualifications are suitable for Apprentices (only) who wish to demonstrate their skills and knowledge within the Electrotechnical industry.

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  • Domestic Energy Assessor (6371)

Level 3

This qualification is aimed at anyone interested in energy efficiency and working, or looking for work, as an energy assessor in the construction sector.

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Construction

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  • Insulation and Building Treatment Qualifications (5931)

Level 2 & 3

Our Insulation and Building Treatment qualifications are official recognition of the knowledge and skills needed to install insulation or carry out building maintenance work. You can choose from a range of qualifications to match your particular specialism such as external wall insulation or different types of floor insulation.

These qualifications are ideal for those working in the construction industry and specialising in insulation and maintenance.

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  • Level 2 Award in Sustainability and the Green Environment (7617)

Level 2

This qualification is suitable for those who desire to develop or improve their knowledge and understanding of Sustainability and the Green Environment in a range of industries and sectors. It would be particularly useful for Sustainability Officers and those with job roles which have responsibilities for sustainability reviews and planning within businesses and organisations.

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  • Level 2 Certificate in Sustainability and the Green Environment (7617)

Level 2

This qualification is aimed at learners who wish to understand sustainable working practices for a specific job role, future job role and ongoing training. It is especially useful for those who want to work within sustainability or who have been given responsibility for sustainability within their organisations. This qualification is designed for use within land-based industries (environmental conservation).

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  • Retrofit Qualifications (7618)

Our Retrofit qualifications have been developed in collaboration with industry specialists to develop knowledge of the requirements involved in retrofitting (PAS 2035), and how this impacts the installation and preparation of a property retrofit system. The qualification is suitable for both tradespeople with and without prior experience in retrofit (electricians, joiners, plumbers, plasterers, bricklayers, etc.) who may wish to work in related retrofit professional roles such as retrofit assessor as well as those who wish to advance their knowledge of retrofit in the construction industry. Access the Retrofit flyer >

Find out more

Employability Skills

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  • Employability Skills Qualifications (5546)

Entry – Level 2

Our Employability Skills qualifications are designed in collaboration with experts, training providers, and employment and recruitment professionals from various sectors to ensure the qualification content matches what is needed and valued by today’s employment market. These qualifications are aimed at anyone who wants to live a more independent life, progress in education, and/or improve their employment prospects; get into a job, develop on the job, or move onto the next job as they progress along the career ladder.

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Energy

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  • Energy Assessment Qualifications (6361)

Level 3 & 4

Our Energy Assessment qualifications have been developed in line with National Occupational Standards and in collaboration with Asset Skills, providing learners with the knowledge and skills required to work in energy assessment, building a competent workforce to meet the requirements of the industry. Energy Assessment is a regulated industry in the UK and is undertaken across several different situations including domestic buildings, non-domestic and commercial buildings, and air-conditioning systems.

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Environmental Services

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  • Sustainable Waste Management Qualifications (0746)

Level 2 & 3

Our Sustainable Waste Management qualifications provides the skills and knowledge required to assess occupational competence in various areas of the waste management industry, including waste collection, weighbridge and site operatives and supervisory roles, demonstrating the learners’ competences to act in a safe, efficient manner in accordance with industry requirements. The qualifications are suitable for anyone working, or wishing to work, in sustainable waste management, from waste collection to those in a supervisory role.

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  • Principles of Sustainable Resource Management Qualifications (7517)

Level 2 & 3

Our Certificates in Principles of Sustainable Resource Management have been developed in conjunction with EU Skills and are technical certificates that support the Apprenticeship in Sustainable Resource Management. The apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for a broad range of occupational roles at both operator and supervisory levels. The qualifications are suitable for entrants into the industry, as well as existing employees seeking to improve their knowledge and understanding of the principles of resource management.

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  • Installation, Service and Maintenance of Environmental Technology Systems Qualification (2399)

Level 3

Our Environmental Technology Systems qualification has been developed in response to the need for domestic-scale low carbon and environmentally friendly technologies, this qualification contributes to Continuing Professional Development for qualified electricians, plumbers and mechanical engineers who wish to broaden their skills. The qualification is ideal for an experienced electrician, plumber or engineer who wants to install and maintain a type of environmental technology.

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Land Based Services

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  • Sustainability and Green Environment Qualifications (7617)

Level 2 Award & Certificate

Our Sustainability and Green Environment qualifications introduces learners to climate change, Net Zero, sustainability and the environment in a range of industries and sectors. The qualifications are suitable for those who wish to understand sustainable working practices for a specific job role, future job role and ongoing training. It is especially useful for those who want to work within sustainability or who have been given responsibility for sustainability within their organisations.

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  • T Level Agriculture, Land Management and Production - Tree and Woodland Management and Maintenance (8717)

Level 3

The T Level Technical Qualification in Agriculture, Land Management and Production is aimed at 16-19 year olds and allows learners to gain an understanding of what is needed to enter employment within their chosen occupational specialism: livestock production, crop production, horticulture, land-based engineering, trees and woodlands or floristry.
A learner who completes this qualification is well placed to develop to full occupational competence with the correct support and training.

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Utilities

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  • Smart Metering Qualification (7428)

Level 2

Our Smart Metering qualifications were developed in association with industry employers, sector skills councils, and EU skills to provide the knowledge and skills that the workforce requires to be competent in installing and maintaining Smart Meters. Smart Meters are part of the Government’s green agenda to provide real time energy consumption information to consumers and energy companies. These qualifications are suitable for those working in the power industry who need to be competent in electricity, gas, or dual fuel and allows for career progression within smart metering.

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  • Electrical Power Engineering Qualifications (2304)

Level 2

Our Electrical Power Engineering qualifications have been developed by industry employers, sector skills councils, and EU skills, which allow candidates to learn, develop, and practice the skills required for employment and career progression in the power industry. The qualification is based on the National Occupational Standards developed by EU Skills for the industry. These qualifications are suitable for those in the power industry undertaking an apprenticeship standard or those wishing to gain knowledge, prove competence, or progress to a more responsible role.

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Developed with key employers to equip learners with the skills and knowledge that businesses want, preparing them for work, higher education, or an apprenticeship.

Find out more about T Levels

Have your in-house training recognised to a trusted global quality benchmark by City & Guilds and ILM. Showcase the quality of your programmes.                              

Find out more about Assured

A range of funded units and short qualifications are available, and a number of our qualifications have sustainability units embedded into them.

View the range of funded units

Green Insights Hub

Access insights and information on the developments that are driving the shift towards a low-carbon future and discover how businesses and individuals can contribute to this global movement.

Stay up-to-date with the policies and initiatives that are shaping the global transition to a greener economy.

Reports and Articles

Articles

From electrical vehicle charging point installation to design, these new qualifications are meeting the demands of the industry.

From reaching net zero to protecting natural resources, investing in green jobs will be key.

The solution to rising energy costs could be closer to home than we realise.

How a shortage of skills could hamper our efforts to reach net zero goals. 

In our efforts to consistently expand and deepen our understanding of the UK’s various sectors and their skills requirements, we hosted an enlightening round table with experts in EV (electric vehicles). 

Reports

Our research on the UK energy sector's readiness to achieve the Government's 2035 decarbonisation goal. Discover key skills-based recommendations for a greener and brighter future. 

In our Great Jobs report, we reveal the obstacles and opportunities facing the UK energy sector. 

Our survey uncovered the challenges and opportunities for the in the EV charge point installations landscape. 

Podcasts, Interviews and Events

Catch up on the latest podcasts from City & Guilds. We talk to colleagues, employers and training providers to give you a better insight of the work we do across different industries. 

Hosted by Andy Moss, Chief Customer Officer of City & Guilds, in this episode takes a closer look at the energy sector which is experiencing rapid, large-scale change.

We explore the energy sector, which has seen a great deal of public attention as it has risen to the top of the political agenda; however, it still faces a significant skills shortage.

We explore the topic of green skills and the important role that they play, not only in creating a sustainable future but also in powering the government’s ambitious levelling-up agenda.

We hosted an enlightening roundtable with experts in EV, to unpack the challenges faced by the UK on its journey toward 0% transport-related carbon emissions by 2030.

Case studies

Hear from Head of Social Impact at Shell UK, Anthony Harte, about the Shell-sponsored EV charging installation course pilot, and how we are working together to support the energy transition and the development of life changing skills.