Students are being trained in retrofitting thanks to our partnership with Coventry College, Dyson Energy Services and Coventry City Council
We’re partnering with several organisations to help train the next generation of retrofitters as part of our social housing decarbonisation project.
To mark Careers Week, which runs from 4 March to 9 March, we’re highlighting our work with Dyson Energy Services and Coventry College to reskill local people in Coventry and employ them so they can retrofit our homes.
We were successful in wave two of the Government’s social housing decarbonisation fund to improve 2,000 homes across Coventry.
The training by Coventry College is delivered through Insulation Bootcamps which cover a range of insulation measures including cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and external wall insulation.
On completion of the training, candidates are interviewed and offered employment with Dyson Energy Services. They then work on our homes across Coventry.
Since the scheme has been launched over 50 people have been trained. Many of the students were unemployed and recruited from referral networks across the West Midlands including the National Careers Service, Job Centre Plus and Coventry Job Shop.
Two of the people who are working as insulation technicians for Dyson on our properties in Coventry are Daniel Falcnoer, 21, and Adam Breagan, 29.
Daniel (above), from Coventry, has been unemployed since he was 16 and said he’s proud of what he’s achieved.
He said: “If it wasn’t for the Insulation Skills Bootcamp, I would never have known about the energy efficiency industry and the career opportunities. I’m proud to be helping to improve the energy efficiency of homes in local communities I have grown up in and helping people to lower their energy bills.”
Adam said he remembered how cold the flat was he shared with his grandma, and he feels good helping those who are vulnerable.
Adam added: “Attending the Insulation Bootcamp and joining Dyson Energy Services has been career changing for me. Being able to help communities very similar to the ones I was raised in has such a rewarding feeling – that feeling of making a difference.
“The bootcamp was a good way of showing people there is an avenue into the industry. I had no skills and qualifications in this area prior to going to Coventry College, but now through training at Dyson Energy Services, am thrilled to have recently successfully passed my NVQ Diploma in Insulation and Building Treatments in Construction.”
The energy efficiency works being completed by people including Adam and Daniel, will support our customers to reduce their energy consumption and bills. It will also help them stay warm and comfortable in their homes.
Our director of asset management Bridget Guilfoyle said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Coventry College, Dyson Energy Services and Coventry City Council to help train the next generation of people who will be retrofitting our homes.
“It’s fantastic to hear from Adam and Daniel about how much the training has benefitted them. At Citizen we work with our partners to make a positive difference to our customers and communities and this partnership has helped to train the next generation of retrofitters. We are delighted to be part of a project which supports people to learn skills in retrofitting on the job.
“We’re also really proud that we were successful with Coventry City Council in our bid for wave two of the social housing decarbonisation fund which helps us deliver more energy efficient homes for our customers.”
By undertaking the social housing decarbonisation project, we aim to help to reduce fuel poverty and domestic carbon emissions, which currently account for 30 percent of the city’s total emissions.
Vice Principal for business growth, engagement and partnerships at Coventry College, Gemma Knott, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with key stakeholders in the city to provide training opportunities that help bridge the national and regional skills gaps, raise awareness of careers in green skills and provide employment opportunities for our local residents.
“The fact that our learners, and the work they are now doing, is making an impact their own community – helping people to reduce their energy bills during the cost-of-living crisis is just remarkable.
“We’re looking forward to the future opportunities this collaborative approach will bring for our community, employers and residents.
“The bootcamps offer excellent routes to employment and truly make a positive impact to our community.”
Ian Morrall, managing director at Dyson Energy Services said he recognises and appreciates the importance of partnerships like this.
He said: “As a business, we’ve always played our part in helping to educate potential new employees to understand the opportunities that lay ahead, as well as the important part they can play in helping to reduce the domestic carbon emissions. Thus, leading towards the government’s overall target to net zero by 2050.
“We’re delighted with the progress Daniel and Adam have made with Dyson Energy Services and look forward to seeing their future careers develop.
“In addition to this, we’re looking forward to welcoming more recruits in the near future.”
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, at Coventry City Council, added: “It’s vital that we look at every opportunity to help people develop new green skills and this is an ideal scheme especially as the need to retrofit and design more sustainable homes will grow and grow.
“As a city we are taking all the right steps to lead on the green industrial revolution and this partnership between Coventry College, Citizen and Dyson is really positive. I’m delighted that local students are benefiting.”
The bootcamps being run by Coventry College are designed for those employed in the construction sector and are looking to upskill. They are also suitable for people in the West Midlands who are unemployed and looking for a career in green skills.
You can find out more and apply for the bootcamp here.
For media enquiries contact our Communications Team.
