Five eco apprenticeships hand-picked by industry experts to celebrate the King’s Coronation continue to grow England’s green workforce.
Over the last four years (since 2020/21), they have amassed over 27,000 starts and data for the first two quarters of 2023/24 compared to 2022/23 shows a 7% increase.
Table shows combined starts on the five apprenticeships marked with the official Coronation emblem in recognition of their sustainability credentials:
Apprenticeships to train countryside workers (level 2), forest craftspersons (level 3), installation and maintenance electricians (level 3), sustainability business specialists, and corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioners (level 4) were marked with the Coronation emblem (pictured below) last May.
They were selected by industry experts from a list of over 200 green apprenticeships developed by panels of expert employers with the Institute for Apprenticeship and Technical Education (IfATE).
The list, which continues to grow as more businesses work with IfATE, supports the work being led by the Department of Education and Department of Energy Security and Net Zero to make sure the right skills are in place to achieve net zero.
Jennifer Coupland, chief executive of IfATE, said: “We are delighted to see these Coronation apprenticeships blossoming. They are leading examples of the many apprenticeships now supporting green careers. We urge more employers to consider how they can make their industries more sustainable through skills training and join IfATE on this trailblazing journey to achieve net zero by 2050.”
Andrew Eldred, chief operating officer of the Electrical Contractors’ Association, said: “As system designers and installers, electrical professionals are in the vanguard of the shift to low-carbon buildings and net zero. These complex challenges make it vital we attract and retain high calibre entrants. Recognition through the Coronation emblem has helped the Installation & Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship to serve as a launchpad to further grow the pipeline of apprentices and professionals joining our sector.”
A sixth Coronation apprenticeship, for Low Carbon Heating Technicians (level 3), launched last September and 60 people applied straight away for a place with Vaillant Group UK Ltd in Derbyshire.
The six sustainable apprenticeships were chosen because of the expected impact of the occupations on the environment and future workforce. They also reflect His Majesty’s longstanding commitment to ensuring natural assets endure for future generations, integrating renewable energy sources into our everyday lives, and applying sustainability into every aspect of our economy.
