Engineering & Building Services Skills Alliance Ready to Support Government’s Plan for Skills Change in Construction

At an engineering services skills forum held online on Monday 31st March — organised by Actuate UK on behalf of EBSSA — representatives from across the engineering and building services sector were briefed on the Government’s Plan for Change. The forum provided an opportunity to discuss how the sector will respond to the evolving skills landscape and contribute to the Construction Skills Mission Board.

Despite the importance of plumbers, heating, ventilation & air-condition (HVAC) engineers, electricians and other skilled engineering occupations for the future, engineering and building services are not always adequately represented in national skills policy conversations. It was agreed that stronger connections across the sector and its supply chains are essential, and EBSSA members looks forward to collaborating with Skills England and the Construction Skills Mission Board to help bridge these gaps.

Helen Yeulet, Director of Competence & Compliance, BESA; Engineering & Building Services Skills Authority joint chair, said:

“This is a big moment for skills — and our sector is ready to lead. EBSSA is committed to putting engineering and building services at the heart of building a competent, future-ready workforce.”

Over the past year, organisations within engineering and building services have been widely praised for their collaborative work in developing and implementing competence frameworks. These efforts are critical to supporting UK Government ambitions in infrastructure, housing, and clean energy. They also showcase what the industry can achieve when it works together.

Key takeaways from the meeting included:

• Recognition that the Government’s focus on skilled workers must encompass the entire construction and built environment sector — not solely housing.
• A clear need for engagement with large parts of the engineering and building services sector that are outside the remit of CITB or ECITB.
• The importance of UK-wide engagement. While skills policy is devolved, the workforce itself is not — requiring coordination with all UK nations.

EBSSA members reaffirmed their commitment to advancing these priorities and engaging more widely across the sector for input and support.

NOTE:

The Engineering and Building Services Skills Alliance (EBSSA) was convened by Actuate UK members together with leading sector bodies BEAMA, CIPHE, MCS & TICA to provide a credible authoritative voice for skills across all engineering and building services. The scope of EBSSA covers the skills requirements to design, install and commission decarbonised energy storage, heating, hot water and transport solutions, whilst ensuring adequate indoor air quality for occupants. This includes supporting services in enabling the adoption and application of these technologies, such as upgrading properties electrical system and supplier design services.

Key objectives of this skills coalition are to provide analysis based on transparent data on skills demand and supply, and utilise this evidence to highlight needs, educate, influence policy makers and providers to close the skills shortage gaps with measurable interventions.

See more on EBSSA here.