Main interview demand for a collective approach to training in such a highly contractual and project-driven industry . So , the EITB became the ECITB , holding responsibility for training individuals in various sectors : upstream and downstream oil and gas , nuclear , chemicals , water treatment , pharmaceuticals , food production , and power generation , both conventional and renewable . “ ECITB is the less-known jewel in the UK economy crown ,” he states . “ We are a registered charity and an arms-length body within government , sponsored by the Department for Education , and exist through a series of legislative instruments , which provide us with delegated authority and obligation to raise a levy from employers engaged in defined

A reported 25,000 additional workers are required to achieve the UK ’ s net-zero ambitions

activities within specified locations within the industry .”

Most of these employers are contracting companies that design , engineer , build , maintain , or decommission most of the UK ’ s processing facilities ( for example , nuclear plants , oil refineries , and water treatment sites ). Andy explains what that means on a practical level : “ We raise a levy totalling £ 26-million-to- £ 28-million from around 300 employers , which is then reinvested in the industry through apprenticeship support , graduate schemes , new entrant programmes , technical skills , supervisory and management training ; all initiatives that boost any company ’ s efficiency and productivity .

“ However , it is crucial to note that the industrial training levy is consensual ,” he adds . “ Every three years , we have to demonstrate to the UK government that a majority of the industry ( more than 50 per cent ) supports the levy .” This process last occurred in 2022 , with the ECITB receiving overwhelming support for its levy proposal and new three-yearstrategy . In a resoundingly positive response , 85 per cent of levy-paying employers , which represents 97

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