SEUK members invited to support new DWP Scotland and The Verdancy Group pilot
A new pilot programme in Scotland is aiming to connect job seekers with careers in the construction, retrofit and renewable energy sectors, and Solar Energy UK members are being invited to play a direct role in helping develop the industry's future workforce.
The Verdancy Group (TVG), working in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Scotland, has been given the go-ahead to deliver a new Sustainable construction & retrofit Skills Pilot Project in the Glasgow & Lanarkshire area.
The initiative will identify a small group of job-ready candidates from Jobcentre Plus locations across Glasgow and Lanarkshire before providing them with sector-specific training and support designed to prepare them for employment in the growing sustainable construction & retrofit economy.
Participants will complete the NOCN Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit, alongside employability support and additional construction-related qualifications where appropriate, such as CSCS cards. The programme is designed to give candidates both the technical understanding and workplace readiness needed to progress into employment within the sector.
Creating a stronger talent pipeline for the industry
A key part of the programme is bringing employers into the process at an early stage.
The Verdancy Group is now looking for businesses across Scotland's sustainable construction & retrofit skills sectors to help candidates understand the opportunities available and take the next step into employment.
Employers can get involved by:
· Offering Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) placements or similar work experience opportunities.
· Providing warm interviews for current vacancies.
· Acting as host employers for suitable candidates.
· Delivering guest speaker sessions or workshop activities to showcase career opportunities and share industry experience.
Businesses involved in retrofit, domestic and commercial energy efficiency, solar, microgeneration, surveying, assessment, refurbishment, new build and wider construction activities are all encouraged to participate.
Benefits for candidates—and for the wider industry
For candidates, the programme offers a supported pathway into a sector experiencing sustained growth, helping build recognised qualifications, practical employability skills and direct links with potential employers.
For employers, it provides an opportunity to engage with motivated individuals before they enter the labour market, helping to build a stronger pipeline of skilled workers while supporting local communities and demonstrating social value.
If the pilot proves successful, the opportunity could expand significantly.
Through our networks, we are aware that there is a substantial number of job seekers across Central and South West Scotland who have expressed an interest in construction and sustainable construction & retrofit skills careers. Also, the Coop recently reported that UK-wide there are still too many barriers facing young people hoping to gain employment in the sustainable construction & retrofit skills industry. So we must do more collectively to help. That’s why The Verdancy Group have also developed their ‘Building Greener Futures’ programme and have worked with 11 local schools so far in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce and industry to help raise awareness of the vast array of skills required and opportunities out there.
Scaling these programmes could help address skills shortages while supporting economic growth and accelerating the delivery of Scotland's Net Zero ambitions.
Get involved
If your organisation would be interested in:
· Hosting placements
· Offering interviews or employment opportunities
· Providing guest speakers or workshop sessions
· Supporting the development of Scotland's future sustainable construction & retrofit workforce
we would encourage you to get involved.
To express your interest, please contact Neil Barnes at The Verdancy Group on nb@theverdancygroup.com or get in touch with the Solar Energy UK team and we will introduce you.
Together, we can help create clearer pathways into the sector while strengthening the skilled workforce needed to deliver the UK's clean energy transition.
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