Why apprenticeship levy planning matters more than ever for the energy and utilities sector

Group of apprentices

changes to how employers use, manage and plan apprenticeship investment. For the energy and utilities sector, these reforms come at a critical time. Employers are already planning for significant workforce demand, changing skills needs and the need to attract, develop and retain talent across essential infrastructure roles. Against this backdrop, the effective use of apprenticeship … Read more

Migration Advisory Committee confirms current workforce shortages across clean energy and critical infrastructure

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended that 28 occupations supporting clean energy, environmental resilience and critical infrastructure should be included on the Temporary Shortage List, recognising current workforce shortages across key sectors of the UK economy. MAC is an independent body that advises the UK Government on migration and labour market issues. Its recommendations … Read more

Energy & Environment Awards Newsletter – July 2026

Please see below, the July edition of the Energy & Environment Awards newsletter. If you would like to receive our quarterly newsletter straight to your inbox, please fill out the form below. Apprenticeship Provider Conference 2026 Join us for the second Energy & Environment Awards Apprenticeship Provider Conference on Thursday 5 November in Coventry.The event … Read more

 Apprenticeship Provider Conference 2026

Join Us at the Energy & Environment Awards Apprenticeship Provider Conference 2026 We are delighted to announce our second Apprenticeship Provider Conference. Following the success of our 2025 conference, we’re bringing the event back for 2026. Feedback from attendees was extremely positive, with 100% of attendees being satisfied with the event and every attendee said … Read more

New End-Point Assessments and Qualifications

We are developing the following new end-point assessments for launch later this summer: Starting with the Level 3 Craftsperson end-point assessment, we have committed to offering these popular building services end-point assessments. Although the Craftsperson v1.1 standard is closed to new starters, providers with learners already on programme will soon be able to register with … Read more

Apprenticeships under review

The following Energy & Environment Awards end-point assessments are included in the current Skills England list of existing and new standards being revised in line with apprenticeship assessment reforms: We expect other Energy & Environment Awards standards to appear in future editions of the Skills England Revisions and Updates schedule. Skills England is holding meetings … Read more

Apprenticeship Units – Solar PV installation and maintenance

Following demand from training providers, we are developing the Solar PV installation and maintenance apprenticeship unit. Apprenticeship units are part of the Government’s approach to widening access to funded skills solutions, through the Growth and Skills Levy, to upskill existing workers in addition to apprenticeships. This apprenticeship unit is for employed electricians who, with the … Read more

IGEM/UP/1B Update: Employers and Training Providers

A gas hob burner showing gas flames.

IGEM/UP/1B has been updated to Edition 4, and training providers should ensure that delivery aligns with this latest edition. Any assessments carried out after 1 October 2026 must reference IGEM/UP/1B Edition 4. Where further detail is required, it is important to note that Edition 4 introduces changes to how the maximum permissible pressure loss is calculated and how purge volume … Read more