Meeting the low carbon skills challenge - a response from the UCU

The University and College Union (UCU) is the largest trade union for staff working in the Further and Higher Education Sector. It represents more than 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians and postgraduates in universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations across the UK.

UCU welcomes this consultation and considers that it is long overdue. The gap between the existing skill levels in the UK and what is required to deliver a low carbon economy is huge. Urgent action is needed if the UK is to deliver the necessary transition.

The key challenegs the consultation looks to answer include:

• what the government, schools & employers are doing to promote the take up of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects by young people and encourage them to consider careers in low carbon sectors.
• What can universities and working with business, do to help the stimulate the demand for the high level STEM skills required in the low carbon economy.
• How can more colleges and universities be encouraged to respond to the need for more specialist skills in emerging low carbon sectors
• Is our overall analysis of the skills challenges, as outlined in this document, correct?
• What are the best ways to replicate the examples of good practice provided throughout this document quickly and effectively?
• Is stimulating innovation in skills development and delivery the best way forward