South Yorkshire Retrofit Skills Task Force
An incredible amount of energy is given to talking about the gaps and issues with the retrofit industry.
Clearly there’s a need for talk – so we can reach new ears – and so we can reach consensus. But clearly there’s a need for action.
The goal
At Ecofit we believe that a South Yorkshire Retrofit Skills Task Force is needed. The Task Force will act as a central leadership and organising hub for the local retrofit industry.
It addresses the urgent need for a local workforce and talent pipeline to deliver the growing demand for energy-efficient retrofitting. By partnering with housing associations, local authorities, and developing local supply chains, the task force is creating a stable environment where retrofit can be delivered at scale and to a high quality.
Through targeted training, upskilling, and inclusive recruitment, the task force will provide South Yorkshire with a workforce equipped to deliver the region’s net-zero goals.
Our collaborative approach will also generate community benefits. These include job creation, enhanced health outcomes, and a greater sense of belonging and pride of place. It will foster local wealth building by investing in sustainable, long-term employment opportunities and promoting local engagement in retrofit projects.
By focusing on inclusive business practices and partnerships, the task force will build a resilient workforce while contributing to a more prosperous South Yorkshire.
The pilot
In 2024 our team engaged widely with South Yorkshire network of policy makers, contractors, training providers and housing associations. Our goals were to
Develop a co-created skills development strategy for the retrofit skills sector in South Yorkshire
Engage and mobilise a network of local contractors, training providers, and social housing associations to align efforts and resources
We conducted research via questionnaires and interviews and tested the format of a networking event.
The findings
We’re happy to meet to share our detailed findings, which cover:
Local Contractors and SMEs
Attitudes toward retrofit training; retention of existing retrofit contractors; barriers for smaller contractors
Training Providers
Our research with training providers covered: understanding of retrofit; coordination challenges; training demographics; training providers' challenges; qualification confusion; diversity opportunity; perception of green skills; contractor training barriers; integration into construction pathways
Housing Associations
Our research with housing associations covered:
Funding: Identified as the primary barrier; technical expertise; internal capacity; regulatory pressure; housing stock; mixed tenure challenges; tenant engagement; social value.
Coordination Issues
There is a disconnect between contractors, training providers, and housing associations. Collaboration and facilitation are needed to bridge this gap. That’s where the South Yorkshire Retrofit Skills Task Force comes in!
The thank yous
The pilot was supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) through the North East & Yorkshire Net Zero Hub. The independent evaluation concluded that:
‘The project can be considered to have offered good value for money considering the feedback and potential longer-term outcomes. The benefits and learnings are clear; the networking opportunities, knowledge transfer, and new partnerships that resulted from the project are likely to lead to long-term benefits for the South Yorkshire region.’
And importantly, Task Forces are now being promoted by DESNZ as the way forward for regions. And this means we’re seeking funding to take this forward.
