Actuate UK, the voice of engineering services, warn that skills shortages are hampering ambitions to deliver net zero emission buildings.
While the number of engineering services apprentices starting out in England in 2022 is back to pre-COVID levels, many more new starters are needed if we are to achieve net zero by 2050.
As the 15th National Apprenticeship Week begins, there is good news for the sector. Engineering services make up almost half (42%) of this year’s construction intake, but labour remains in short supply.
If we are to build homes fit for the future, with integrated design, energy efficiency and smart technologies, new talent is needed. To tackle the challenges ahead, a more diverse workforce, with fresh outlooks and bright ideas is the only way to make net zero a viable reality.
Helen Yeulet, representing Actuate UK Skills Group said:
“There is much to celebrate in this year’s National Apprenticeship Week. We welcome the large number of new recruits starting out in our sector.
But, as one of the fastest growing industries responding to climate change, we can’t be complacent. We need more investment in training across the sector to achieve the UK’s net zero targets. Industry and government must work together to overcome the skills shortage and deliver the much needed homes of the future”.
Actuate UK is working across the engineering services and the wider industry to map skills shortages against available training provision to identify gaps. This is a key step to help the industry deliver on safety and net zero carbon targets. Find out more about Actuate UK’s work on skills.
NOTE: National Apprenticeship Week is from 7 – 13 February 2022 in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, #NAW2022 and from 7 – 11 March 2022 in Scotland.
Actuate UK members and the Engineering & Building Services Skills Alliance (EBSSA) welcomes the publication of the Construction Jobs Plan as an important step towards building the skilled workforce needed to deliver the UK’s growth, housing, infrastructure and clean energy ambitions. The plan recognizes the importance and integral part that the Engineering and Building Services sector play in realising these ambitions.
Engineering Services Alliance, Actuate UK, has joined as an official industry partner for the UK’s only HVAC-R event dedicated to advancing the efficiency of commercial, industrial and large-scale residential buildings. Taking place on 25–26 November 2026 at Excel London.
Actuate UK InstallerSHOW2026 Partnership. InstallerSHOW 2026 isn’t just another exhibition; it’s a truly transformative event for the installation, trades and built environment sectors. If you’re an installer, builder, carpenter, electrician, decorator or business owner connected to any aspect of installation or the built environment, InstallerSHOW 2026 promises to be the most practical, innovative and rewarding edition yet.