Wind industry and the National Energy Project Energynet conference 27/11/07 Alex Hartley

Current situation All of us here recognise that Wales has much potential in the Renewable energy source sector on the global stage. Project objective is to ensure that the energy sector and their supply chains have the relevant skills to meet current and future demands. How can it be known what they actually are and the associated issues that limit businesses success? Appropriate Training, with Structured Outlooks and the Energy Institute on behalf of Welsh Assembly Government DCELLS deliver the National Energy Project.

Agenda Current situation Aims of project Common issues of Energy Sector Companies Employers, training and development Standards, qualifications and the Sector Skills Councils What could any of this mean to you? What we would like from you (no donations!) EU objective 1 funding The Energy Institute Upcoming project actions Some results so far What next?

Project aims Support for businesses Identify current and future skills needs through offering companies a free needs analysis Signpost companies to funding, support and training available Provide businesses with up to date information via website Support the skills needs of businesses wishing to access opportunities relating to new developments in the sector

More aims… Support for sector Work with Sector Skills Councils (SSC’s) and other agencies to identify gaps in qualifications and training provision Provide WAG with information on issues affecting the sector Encourage joint initiatives between agencies to address issues raised Support the development and updating of current qualifications

Leading question… Who here currently has a fully skilled, qualified, professionally recognised workforce to meet current business requirements? What about utilising future opportunities?

Employers, qualifications, training and development In the UK the ethos is that that training supply and skills development, and the related systems of qualifications, should be employer-led. The Leitch report is widely supported by our sector with many of it’s recommendations and findings. Support for Competence Assurance: provides the underpinning combination of knowledge, skills, understanding and behaviours that ensures business objectives are delivered safely and effectively.

Standards, qualifications and SSC’s National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe what an individual needs to do, know and understand in order to carry out a particular job role or function. Vocational Qualifications are achieved against these set standards. A Vocational Qualification is a cluster of NOS which together define the competences of an occupation. For example, the NOS which define the role of a maintenance technician can be clustered to form a qualification called, ‘Process Engineering Maintenance Level 3’. All qualifications have advice on how assessment for the award is to be carried out.

What does this mean to you? You need a knowledgeable, fit for purpose, effective and sustainable workforce. There are a number of schemes and initiatives available to support businesses across Wales with this- it can be a maze! Some of the project’s aims are to ensure these complement each other and ensure businesses know what is actually available depending on their individual circumstances.

What do we need from you! In order to ensure WAG are aware of the skills and recruitment issues faces by the sector we need you to get involved. By participating in the needs analysis service we can inform WAG of the real skills needs that you have which will provide the information needed to assign funds for training now and in the future PLUS we can support you with looking at what you need to evolve as a business with funding, courses etc…

Today please… Visit our stand to provide at least your business card/contact details so we can send someone to undertake the Needs Analysis with you-even do a postcard! Ideally, sit down with one of our staff to complete the Needs Analysis!

Objective 1 This project has some funding from the ESF Objective 1 funds which enables the project to support companies to address their needs for skills and recruitment longer term. This project is an opportunity for you to let people know what you need to develop your business longer term and remain sustainable.

Project partner- Energy Institute Energy Institute project partner, 12,500 members in over 100 countries A Royal Charter membership organisation, it’s licensed by the Engineering Council (UK) to offer Chartered, Incorporated and Engineering Technician status to engineers. Has world class recognised Technical department that facilitate and coordinate UK input into the work of national and international non-EI committees in organisations such as BSI, ISO and CEN.BSIISOCEN

Benefits Engineering Technicians and professional Engineers are essential for a healthy economy. Demand for EngTech’s exceeds Engineers. However, IEng/ CEng represents a potential development route for EngTech’s. Benefits go beyond basic job role requirements: Professional recognition gives increased sense of achievement Can lead to Chartered Engineer status: short cut to registration International recognition of qualifications-acts as a quality mark Client confidence (knowing you can assure consistent service) Employer assurance (demonstrated competence to contribute professionally to the business). Low cost grade of membership to the Energy Institute at EngTech level if required Ask to have your/company details forwarded at our stand!

Upcoming future project actions Event in the new year for energy sector investments and highlighting opportunities for subcontracting plus skills needed to access these opportunities, research for NOS with SSC’s, levels 3/4 CPD level modular energy qualification, another energy exchange event, international eco-rally skills, training and careers input and whatever you raise! Provide us with your details and we can send you an invite.

Last event findings and what the Project has done about them! Attracting young people into the sector was issue facing all of the energy industry. Mining sector couldn’t access funding and did not have training or qualifications-like the plumbers-couldn’t do any succession planning. Initiatives with Careers Wales association and Gowales happening next year. The Energy Project researched and raised this to secure funding for training- even helped to have it backdated!

The project takes more action! Requirements for certain energy sector courses to be developed. Free resources on courses etc… needed that can be accessed from anywhere! Convergence funding bids submitted to get courses developed, working with SSC’s and colleges to update Apprenticeship frameworks. Free online sector specific tna tool developed which will be available long term to companies with information on funding and initiatives in Wales.

What we going to do next? A lot of that depends on you so tell us what you need: get a needs analysis done or at least provide your contact details. Come to our events, join the project network for newsletters, online access to needs info, spread the word, keep up to date with latest developments and contribute to saying what your industry needs for skills, training, qualifications and recruitment issues. Any questions? Alex Hartley,