Free skills training to unemployed and low-income residents through a brand new green academy

22 February 2022

Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark Councils, in partnership with London Southbank University and the Mayor of London, have set up an innovative green skills academy to prepare residents to get into work in green and sustainable employment sectors.

With the number of green and low carbon jobs in central London due to double over the next decade, the academy will offer support into direct employment, apprenticeships, traineeships, training or self-employment. Jobs will include green construction and retrofit, green transport, energy, waste/recycling, infrastructure and transport.

The £44m Mayor’s Academies Programme will coordinate and improve the quality of training in the capital, enabling anyone who is 19 and over and unemployed or in low-income work to access training courses for free at local colleges and adult education providers. This will mean that residents of the three boroughs can retrain, learn or upskill and seize the new opportunities available on London’s growing green job market. 

The new resource will bring 1,230 qualifications as well as 382 jobs/apprenticeships and 119 work placements to the three London boroughs, as they continue to lead London in its ambitions for addressing the issues caused by climate change.  

The academy will also drive growth in the green economy and improve the skills needed for both residents and businesses to help tackle climate change. The aim is to work directly with employers in these sectors to build skilled workforces, and give residents, including underrepresented groups, opportunities to overcome barriers to entry into green roles.

Councillor Jason Ochere, Cabinet Member for Southwark’s Jobs, Business and Town Centres said: “Robust, high quality green jobs are an essential part of our ambition to put the climate at the heart of everything we do. They are vital for our residents and for building an environmentally considered economy.

“Working with our partners will amplify the scope and possibilities for our residents to get the skills to access green jobs that could change their life, and make a real difference to our communities.

“I am delighted that this funding will open new doors and new opportunities for everyone who is part of the academy.”   

Councillor Helen Dennis, for Southwark’s Climate Emergency and Sustainable Development said: “The green skills academy is a fantastic new resource to help our residents make the most of the growing green economy in London. It is part of our strategy to put people at the heart of our plans to tackle climate change, and to generate 5000 new green jobs in Southwark by 2030.

“I am proud that Southwark is a leading authority in London for our ambition to become net-zero by 2030 and I am delighted that the free training offered by the academy will open doors for our residents whilst also benefitting our environment."

Cllr Patrick Codd, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We’re proud to be working with our partners to provide exciting and rewarding opportunities for local residents and businesses in London’s growing green sector.

“Tackling climate change can’t be done in isolation, so teaming up with our neighbouring boroughs to deliver this Green Skills Academy will only strengthen our response and increase opportunities for local people who will play a key role in helping the Council work towards our commitment of net zero emissions by 2030.”

Cllr Claire Holland, Lambeth Council’s Leader, said: “This is an important partnership with our neighbouring boroughs and the Mayor of London which supports our wider vision for a fairer and more sustainable Lambeth. Our research, in partnership with London South Bank University, highlights roles and skills in low-carbon jobs that will emerge over the next decade and beyond.

“So we know where the jobs of the future are going to be created and we want our young people to be in prime position to benefit, particularly our residents from deprived backgrounds as we know they have faced barriers when it comes to employment, education and training. 

“Supporting our young people into secure, stable and well paid careers in growth sectors of the modern economy is crucial for both tackling inequality and ensuring a bright future for our borough.”

Page last updated: 22 February 2022