Taking the appropriate steps to upskill is crucial to the long-term success of the building services engineering sector. Cathryn Hickey explains why.
While renewable technologies have been around for some time, their position as a serious alternative to fossil fuels has been cemented with the introduction of Feed in Tariffs (FiTs) and the RHI.

For commercial heating and ventilating installers the ball has started to roll. Many projects that have been waiting in the wings have now been given the green-light thanks to the go-ahead of the RHI for large-scale developments. But, with the increased demand for environmental technologies in buildings comes the increased need for a workforce with the right skills to carry out the work It is vital that anyone involved with this equipment undertakes appropriate training to provide them with the comprehensive level of knowledge required. The long-term growth of the building services engineering sector relies on end-users having a good experience with these alternatives to fossil fuels.

BSE workers have a big part to play in promoting and moving towards a low-carbon Britain. Now is a crucial moment for the success of microgeneration technologies and therefore now is the time for employers to invest in gaining the appropriate knowledge and up-skilling their staff. This landscape of opportunity, but also uncertainty, has been the driver behind the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies.

Prior to the launch of the Skills Academy, installers ran the risk of attending courses that were not industry-recognised and delivered insufficient levels of practical competence.

The National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies consists of 14 accredited hub colleges, located nationwide working with around 80 other training providers to ensure renewables qualifications meet the requirements of current and future legislation.

Installers and engineers using the Skills Academy will receive the highest quality training, delivered by providers with state-of-the-art green facilities and taught by tutors who have the most up-to-date knowledge.

On the request of employers across the BSE sector, the Skills Academy has set a quality benchmark determining that in order to be competent in environmental technologies, the standard to which all individuals should be striving is a Level 3 Award within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

Unparalleled in its offering, the Academy provides a single point of contact for industry-recognised renewables training and qualifications.

With the network structure of the Academy, employers can have peace of mind that their employees are gaining accredited, industry-recognised renewable skills in a location closer to their business. Established by the sector's employers and led by SummitSkills, the Skills Academy is at the heart of the sector's drive to promote a low carbon workforce.

SummitSkills has worked closely with employers to ensure the Academy meets their needs and will regularly engage with the industry so it can continue to set and maintain high standards in environmental technology training.

Via the Skills Academy, those with existing competence in building services engineering will be able to access level 3 training in a range of environmental technology courses, including solar thermal, heat pumps, solar photovoltaics and rainwa ter harvesting, with micro-CHP, micro-wind, micro-hydro and biofuels (including biomass) available in the future.

A level 3 qualification in understanding the principles and requirements of environmental technology systems is embedded into all the awards, but can also be taken as a stand-alone unit. This qualification is significant as delivering renewables is not just about having the skills to fit the equipment; for many companies it is a completely new area and this course will help with the non-technical elements of a move towards environmental technologies; necessary to educate the sales-team, managers or general decision makers.

By undertaking these awards throughthe National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies, employers have the assurance that training is based on National Occupational Standards and is designed with future legislation changes in mind. Of particular interest to larger building services companies is the Skills Academy's membership programme, which gives organisations a great way to show their commitment to the low carbon economy, plus a range of other benefits; such as training vouchers, discounts on supporting material and access to exclusive products and services. In addition, the Skills Academy provides businesses with an opportunity to help shape, influence, and drive forward training in environmental technologies.

Failing to up-skill to meet the increasing demand for renewables may leave some building services companies in the shade. And, if corners are cut when it comes to training, this will eventually damage the good name of a business and at a wider level, the reputation of environmental technologies in general.

• Cathryn Hickey from the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies