Member Article

Esh Group apprentices embark on energy odyssey

Construction apprentices from Esh Group have embarked on a journey to become the environmentally-driven workforce of tomorrow.

Ten apprentices have started the Esh Group Carbon Coach Course – a programme designed to equip the construction workforce of tomorrow with the skills to achieve industry and government carbon reduction targets.

Across Esh’s operations in the North East, Yorkshire, North West and Scotland, the first cohort of apprentices has started the online learning programme that follows four modules.

Through the intensive online programme and on-site experience the apprentices learn about climate change, energy usage and low carbon design, and also identify energy-saving opportunities in their own projects.

Esh Group’s Carbon Coach Course has been funded by the Construction Industry Training Board, and is geared towards the Government’s 2025 objective: “driving carbon out of the built environment.”

Rita Callender, business development manager at Esh Group, said: “It’s exciting to see the first group of apprentices start Esh Group’s Carbon Coach Course.

“In a year’s time they will have acquired the skills and mind-set needed to put energy usage at the centre of their construction careers.

“This early intervention will set them up with a consciousness of energy usage and how it impacts the environment. Throughout their careers they’ll innovate to lower energy usage.

“Many Esh Group clients want us to measure carbon reduction on their projects and by introducing this programme we are ahead of the curve.”

Along with the theory behind climate change, apprentices will be introduced to practical skills including ISO50001 energy management systems implementation systems, and “designing out” carbon on sites.

The online course has been developed in-house by Esh and will train up apprentices alongside their core discipline.

Around 50 apprentices in total will take the course over its initial lifespan, but Esh expects to expand its reach following the pilot stage.

Brian Manning, chief executive of Esh Group, added: “Esh Group is guided by its core values, which include forward thinking and ethical working.

“Our environmental responsibility is a key part of those core values. By training 16-18 year-olds now, we’ll make sure they influence change and challenge working practices throughout their careers – keeping us at the forefront of sustainable construction that is sympathetic to the environment.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Esh Group .