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The retrofit market offers the "biggest construction opportunity this century" if the industry can address growing skills challenges
A new report outlining the UK’s retrofit skills needs has been published by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and TrustMark.
The report, Improving the energy efficiency of Britain’s homes: the opportunity, sets out how the retrofit market provides an opportunity for the government to tackle multiple challenges, including poor quality housing, household energy bills and the need to stimulate local economies.
The report details how construction companies can prepare for the ‘retrofit revolution’. It highlights the need for training and competence within the construction industry, as well as providing conclusions and guidance for construction employers, government, and trade and employer associations.
Key findings from the research:
- 92% of firms involved in retrofit work have fewer than 50 employees
- The main trades in demand are insulation installers, plumbers, and HVAC technicians
- Longer-term funding commitments are required to give SMEs confidence to engage with this work
- Three quarters of businesses are looking to expand their retrofit work
Retrofit opportunities
“Retrofitting the UK’s built environment to be cleaner, greener, warmer in winter, cooler in summer and progressively become more energy efficient and ultimately carbon net zero is the biggest construction opportunity this century,” commented Marcus Bennett, head of industry analysis and forecasting at CITB.
“To benefit from this opportunity, the construction industry needs to think differently, and plan and train for a different future.
“This report is just the beginning when it comes to highlighting the prospects for the construction industry and showing what’s possible as Britain embarks on its net zero journey.”
Simon Ayers, chief executive at TrustMark, added: “There is a big challenge ahead for the construction industry if we are to make Britain’s homes more energy efficient.
“The requirement for skilled, trained and competent tradespeople continues to grow across the industry if we are to deliver this work at the scale and pace necessary to achieve the deadline. We also need to build careers into the skills debate if we are to realise long-term delivery and create jobs that will support this.
“We hope more businesses consider getting involved as the volume of retrofit work increases, and by working together, we will find the right solutions to those challenges and optimise the opportunity for everyone.”
