Upskilling at CAT

“The UK is committed to a rapid transition to a low carbon and resource efficient economy that will lead to economic growth, competitive advantage and job creation. A crucial component of this transformation is the development of new skills in rapidly growing low carbon sectors, and of generic skills across the economy.”  Mind the Gap, Aldersgate Group.

The transition to a zero carbon future is going to need architects, planners, civil engineers, surveyors, housing and community development officers, consultants, teachers, researchers, environmental managers and many more. This article outlines the vital role that CAT, it's staff and students play in moving towards a sustainable future.

In June 2010 the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) released a new report called zerocarbonbritain2030. The report – the first of its kind in the UK – presents a scenario that demonstrates how we can reduce green house gas emissions by 56% in the built environment, transport, energy industry and agricultural sectors and power up our renewables 100% to meet the reduced energy demand. Zerocarbonbritain2030 represents a framework for change offering a common, coherent vision linking government and industry and citizens – endorsing, supporting and connecting actions across all sectors of society.

The report is necessarily ambitious – climate change and economic and energy security are big challenges that face us in the next decade. CAT is not the only place calling for a positive vision for a sustainable future. A recent demonstration in London saw 2000 people marching through the streets calling for a zero carbon Britain by 2030, the Transition Town Movement encourages sustainable communities and the New Economics Foundation call for a ‘great transition’ to build an economy based on stability, sustainability and equality. There are many more amazing initiatives that look forward to a zero carbon future.

Yet, this transition faces numerous obstacles, aside from the lack of ambition in the international climate change talks, lack of political leadership and market reluctance (inability) to embrace a zero carbon future. There is also a looming skills gap – the transition to a zero future is going to need architects, planners, civil engineers, surveyors, housing and community development officers and environmental manager to build this new future.

Paul Allen, external relations director at CAT says: “We are, only just beginning to grasp the sheer scale of Britain’s renewable energy assets.”

Wind, for example is a vast energy source with an enormous job creation potential, the UK holds 40% of the EU’s total wind capacity but only 4.2% of its total installed capacity. Paul Allen continues:

“Where we are now with renewable energy is reminiscent of where we were in the 1960s when we first discovered North Sea oil and gas – we know the renewable energy is there, the technology to access it is developed and waiting, we just need to up-skill and up-scale the programs to deliver it.”

The same situation is replicated across the board – from the built environment, to transport, to agricultural practice. We have the technology and the know how, but we need an ambitious skills policy that support the upskilling of hundreds of thousands more people if we are to make the transition in the relatively short time scale which we have left to act.

There are tough times ahead yet by refocusing our ingenuity and developing our skill base we can build resilience and face our 21st Century challenges. In June 2010, alongside the launch of the zerocarbonbritain2030 project, CAT opened the Wales Institute for Sustainable Education. The mission is to provide a training base for thousands of people to learn the skills we need for the future. With 37 years experience in sustainability practice, state of the art eco-educational facilities and a seven acre site in which students can apply practice to the theory, CAT offers an unparalleled academic and practical learning experience.

"WISE is an important step, helping to deliver the training and skills Britain will need to meet our energy challenges."Michael Meacher, former MP

From insulation to wind turbines, from sewage to photo voltaic installation – training is offered to homeowners, community groups, companies, schools, teachers, electricians, plumbers and architects (right up to Masters level), providing the skills needed to turn ideas into actions.

Upskilling at CAT

Last December, Natasha quit her job at a bank in London. She did 5 months volunteer work with NEF. She was inspired to look for a course to take her into the world of renewables. She found the Renewable Energy in the Built Environment at CAT.

"The hands on approach, giving you a real feel for the subject, was ideal.”

Natasha hopes to take what she learns on the course to developing countries. Her particular interest is the use of biogas in Kenya.

Mel lives in Golsby, an hour north of Inverness. She works for Community Energy Scotland, a company that aims to support the growth of community strength by using sustainable energy – from microgeneration technologies that reduce running costs in community centres – to community owned wind farms and hydro projects.

She wanted to gain technical knowledge in a hands-on way. She came to CAT to strengthen her knowledge so she can pass on sound advice. Mel would encourage more women to do this course. In her experience, women have such an important role in the work that she does with communities.

“A course like this can open masses of doors and the subject matter is so important for everyone’s future… Don’t be afraid to just go for it.”

Jenny is originally from Germany. She came to study in the UK 10 years ago.She has since had 2 children and afterwards found it hard to get back into academia. She trained doing outdoor engineering working with Geographic Information Systems. She saw potential for growth in the renewable energy sector. She hopes to combine her GIS experience with her newfound renewables knowledge.

Jenny sees the number of green jobs available will rise drastically, and says:

“There is a large skills gap. Everyone is new to this technology right now… so it will be possible to learn on the job, because few people have previous experience. It’s a huge opportunity.”

As we make these changes and begin the process of transition we can begin to glimpse into the future. Replicable beacons of good resilient practice are beginning to multiply. The transition from fossil fuels will mark a turning point in our history, every bit as remarkable as the Agricultural Revolution or the Industrial Revolution. We need to harness the same passion, determination, and ingenuity of those pioneering times, to re-skill our workforce to build a new energy revolution capable of yet again creating a new world. And by upskilling for the 21st Century, we also make our own lives and career paths more resilient to the challenges of the 21st century.