The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has launched a £6.9million grant, the Green Homes Grant Skills Competition, for training organisations to help get tradespeople equipped and professionally trained to deliver the initiative which launches on September 30.

The Green Homes Grant scheme allows homeowners and landlords to apply for vouchers to contribute to the cost of energy-saving home improvements – up to £5,000 for most homeowners, or £10,000 for low income households.

With an expected increase in the amount of home energy retrofitting and low carbon heat installation because of the scheme, more skilled tradespeople will be needed.

The competition will be open to UK based training providers who can show previous relevant experience in delivering training in the field, with training programmes to be delivered in England.

Applications should provide training in some or all of the following:

• Skills training in the installation of individual energy efficiency and/or low carbon heating measures supported by the voucher scheme – including training to individuals with existing skills, and training to those new to the sector.

• Support and training for installation companies to gain required PAS 2030 or MCS certification, (including possible contribution to certification costs).

• Training in wider whole house retrofit knowledge and awareness (covering wider issues such as building physics, moisture, ventilation, cold-bridging etc).

A maximum of £1m will be made available for each applicant or project subject to state aid restrictions.

It is hoped the funding could result in up to 5,000 training opportunities.

Simon Ayers, chief executive of Trustmark, said about the skills competition: “This is an opportunity for training providers to take advantage of the scheme and play a key role in ensuring the tradespeople carrying out the works are supported and equipped as they prepare to rise to the challenge to develop their skills and services to the required standards.

“The Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme is the kickstart the industry needs to help the UK reach the target of net zero by 2050 and through collaboration we can increase the number of skilled tradespeople and technicians, move past the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and support the scheme that will allow property owners to pay for energy efficiency improvements, that will not only cut energy bills but will also create and support thousands of jobs whilst addressing the climate emergency the world is facing.”

For more information on the Green Homes Grant Skills Competition visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/green-homes-grant-skills-training-competition.