The Green Skills Advisory Panel (GSAP) is a dynamic and forward-thinking movement dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable construction across the United Kingdom. Comprising of building, housing, and construction businesses, we work collaboratively with local authorities, charities, and training providers to create a new era of green construction practices.
At GSAP, our mission is to close the skills gap and support UK net zero objectives by shaping skills, training and education.
Our vision is to foster a proactive GSAP community that collaborates across industries to attract new talent to the sector while also providing robust support for the existing workforce.
GSAP revolves around three pivotal pillars – Awareness, Outreach & Careers Initiatives, Partnerships & Collaboration and Education & Training Programmes.
GSAP is a member-led committee of building services, housing and construction businesses supported by Government agencies, charities and training providers across the UK. GSAP exists to encourage, improve and develop sustainable training, development and education opportunities for the housing and construction industries. Our purpose is to close the skills gap and provide entry routes into green careers. Our ambition is to educate the current and future workforce adapting to emerging technologies, consider the environmental impact and how industry can meet net zero targets.
While demand for retrofit is high throughout the UK, a shortage of skilled labour poses a challenge. In response, GSAP, supported by Government funding has taken a proactive role. We have been instrumental in developing training programs and qualifications aimed at upskilling the future workforce in green construction skills, particularly in the fabric first approach and retrofit.
Our commitment to sustainable training extends beyond the workforce. GSAP has successfully introduced green construction into the curriculum of schools. This also includes the Green Construction Bootcamp, offering hands-on training on domestic retrofit. The curriculum covers practical aspects of external wall insulation, heat pumps, loft insulation, and upskilling on low carbon technologies, including PVs, solar hot water heating, and battery storage.
GSAP’s impactful initiatives have been recognised, with the panel winning the ‘School/Educational Organisation’ category in the Exeter Sustainability Awards 2022. This acknowledges our significant contribution to improving and developing sustainable training and education opportunities in the housing and construction industry.
GSAP has also been Highly Commended at the Unlock Net Zero Awards in 2023 and shortlisted again for the upcoming awards in June 2024.
GSAP’s collaborative approach, bringing together industry leaders, local authorities, schools, and training providers, creates a clear pipeline for those undergoing green construction training to progress into prime jobs and careers. We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey toward a greener and more sustainable built environment.
