Vicki Cook

Simply Learning has partnered with Northern Gas Networks (NGN) to deliver Network Construction Operations (NCO) training for newly recruited Gas Operatives across the North East. The South Tyneside-based training provider will support new recruits from six NGN sites across the region, providing a dedicated training pathway that leads to our Network Construction Operations qualification. A … Read more

The apprenticeship landscape is changing, bringing new opportunities for employers to think differently about how they recruit, develop and upskill their workforce. From changes to apprenticeship levy funding to the introduction of more flexible training options, there is a lot happening, and understandably, employers may be wondering what it all means for them. For those … Read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The overhead lines sector faces a significant skills challenge. Over the next five years, employers must increase the number of skilled people entering the industry by more than 50% while delivering over 1,000 kilometres of new infrastructure. At the same time, they must maintain the high standards of safety, technical knowledge and practical experience that … Read more