A new scheme aims to upskill trades and SMEs in the construction sector, preparing them for a net zero future. 

By delivering training in low carbon technology the programme offered by Busnes@LlandrilloMenai with the Centre for Infrastructure Skills and Technology (CIST) at Llangefni is also ensuring businesses are sustainable and can adapt as demand grows for greener work practices and installations.

Part of the wider Net Zero Gwynedd project, led by housing association, Adra, the goal is to reduce the carbon emissions of Gwynedd’s housing stock. The scheme will ensure that owners of small construction businesses are able to install and work with the latest technology in customers' homes, as well as making their own businesses more commercially viable.

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s CIST Centre and Innovation Manager, Gareth Hughes said:

“We are extremely pleased to be a part of the Net Zero Gwynedd project. It offers a firm plan for builders, electricians, and plumbers as they manage the challenges linked to the decarbonisation of homes, as well as protecting the viability of their own business. Reducing carbon is a priority for all scheme partners, this is an opportunity to ensure we work together to do this.

“Housing is responsible for 29% of UK carbon emissions and Welsh housing stock is particularly old and inefficient. Those taking part in these courses through the scheme will be able to gain experiences and build key skills to make the most of new technology to improve the efficiency of homes.”

The project reflects Busnes@LlandrilloMenai’s objectives to work with businesses locally with an emphasis on skills linked to the decarbonisation of the economy and digital technology.

Business@LlandrilloMenai’s Projects Development Officer Julie Stokes-Jones added:

“It is essential that we work locally with our partners to carry out this scheme which will be key to reducing carbon emissions in homes. It is also a way of ensuring that businesses can prepare for the future – as a group we are in a situation to help them do that.”

Jonathan Williams, one of the tutors on the scheme and a renewable energy specialist said:

“We are already seeing the benefit that some of the small businesses are getting out of the training, and how the new skills are helping them to extend the services they offer. We will all have to move to greener technology at some point – these courses ensures that there will be professional trades on hand to help make this shift happen.”

More courses will be developed to support local businesses to evolve and respond to changes in clean technologies and energy efficiency. There are four stages to the Net Zero Gwynedd Project, CIST will focus on delivering ‘strengthening supply chains’ aspect.

As well as CIST, Busnes@LlandrilloMenai and Adra, project partners include Y Dref Werdd, Partneriaeth Ogwen, Siop Griffiths, YnNi Llŷn, Cyd Ynni, Deg and Grŵp Cynefin. The project is funded by the UK Government Community Renewal Fund.