The Collab Group, which represents 34 of the leading further education colleges throughout the UK, has announced a new strategic partnership with Energy & Utility Skills, the membership organisation that brings together industry leaders to identify and address skills challenges within the sector.

The partnership aims to connect leading UK colleges with the country’s leading energy and utility employers to inspire more learners into industry apprenticeships as they develop a sustainable workforce for a post-Brexit economy.

The energy and utility sector expect around 20% of its skilled workforce to retire in the next ten years. Over 200,000 new recruits will be needed to fill the skills gap and provide essential services to millions of customers. Both partners recognise the strategic value of the UK’s utilities sector and the current challenge it faces to access the skilled and qualified workforce it needs.

By joining forces, Collab Group and Energy & Utility Skills are aiming to provide a one-stop shop for their memberships to gain full value of the apprenticeship levy through high quality and targeted apprenticeships, and investment in skills.

Collab Group members will also be able to work with the Government approved ‘Energy & Utilities Independent Assessment Service’ which provides high quality apprenticeship end point assessment services and ensures transferability of skills across the energy and utilities sector.

Comenting on the new partnership, Nick Ellins, Energy & Utility Skills Group Chief Executive, said:

“This new partnership evolved from the launch of the major Energy & Utilities Workforce Renewal & Skills Strategy, and brings together our experience and insights to help ensure the UK’s vital utility sector has the skilled, resilient and sustainable workforce it needs. Collab and its member colleges play a pivotal role in ensuring that these energy and utilities companies and their vital delivery partners have the competent and skilled workers needed to give customers and society what are their most essential services.”

Ian Pretty, Collab Group’s CEO added:

“Together, we can create real change. We both have a great capacity to influence thanks to our extensive network of industry leaders, providers and employers. By joining forces, we will be able to extend our connections, gaining even more strength to influence and develop the skills system so that it supports economic growth and productivity.”

Both partners share a strategic ambition to build a resilient and strong workforce which will be fit for a post-Brexit economy and deliver the UK’s essential services that 65 million people rely on each day. The joint approach will help change the perception of apprenticeships in the energy and utilities sector and encourage more learners and colleges to recognise the industry as an exciting and rewarding career choice.

The Collab Group, including network covers the whole UK. We have members as far north as Fraserburgh and as far south as Bournemouth.

With a combined total of over 800,000 learners and over 30,000 employees, supporting over 50,000 apprentices each year, Collab Group member colleges , which include members of the devolved nations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, are expert at providing high quality apprenticeship training for major national employers.