Over the last year or so the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce has been meeting. Facilitated by the City of London Corporation, it brought leaders together from across the construction and related industries to collectively identify and address the green skills gap throughout Central London’s commercial built environment. I was delighted to be a member as I have been involved in both the property industry as a commercial  real estate lawyer but I had also worked with Trust for London, where I am trustee, in funding the work helping those most disadvantaged to be trained and upskilled to fill the gaps in the industry.  The Taskforce identified the barriers and, having found them, wanted to create solutions to promote green reskilling.  Over 350 leaders from across the commercial built environment took part with representatives of local authorities, the GLA Government employers industry bodies and training providers.  Many were Livery members but attending in their professional capacity.  Green jobs is one of the biggest challenges in the industry with 44% of those responding to a recent survey saying that the built environment lacks skilled workers to achieve net zero targets.

The Taskforce made the following recommendations in the Skyline Skills Recommendations Report. There are six key areas for action:

1. Data Sharing: Establish accessible systems to map upcoming projects and quantify skills shortages.
2. Industry Accountability: Embed sustainability and skills training at senior levels within organisations.
3. Training and Apprenticeships: Collaborate with education providers to develop sustainability-focused programmes.
4. Policy Advocacy: Work with the government to implement supportive policies, such as reforms to Section 106 and the Apprenticeship Levy.
5. Diversity and Inclusion: Attract underrepresented groups to green roles and create fair, inclusive workplace cultures.
6. Sector Promotion: Engage schools, colleges, and the public to raise awareness about green career opportunities.

One of the best outcomes is the creation of The Skyline Skills Hub. This is a new platform dedicated to addressing the green skills gap across London’s commercial built environment.  The Hub is a resource that gives employers, workers, and policymakers the tools to upskill and reskill the workforce and attract diverse new entrants into the sector. It also facilitates collaboration between businesses, training providers, and government to create a skilled and diverse workforce capable of constructing and managing sustainable commercial buildings.

Through innovative best practice resources and a commitment to sustainability, the Skyline Skills Hub drives the workforce transformation necessary to secure London’s global leadership in sustainable commercial property.  All those Liveries involved in this sector, including the overarching Construction Liveries Group, should be keen to take part.

If you are an employer or know of someone looking for training or reskilling then do look at the Hub.  https://skylineskillshub.co.uk/

Alderman Alison Gowman CBE