New initiative set to create new jobs and boost green construction skills across York

A new initiative which plans to create new jobs, boost green construction skills and in turn help tackle the climate emergency will be discussed at a meeting next week, 20 February.

The council, with partners on the Retrofit One Stop Shop York (ROSSY) project, has been awarded £3.37m from Innovate UK to support, promote and encourage retrofitting work to homes across the city, helping residents to save money and to move the city towards net zero, while upskilling the sector with the latest techniques.

The ROSSY project forms a key part of the council’s Construction Skills Initiative (CSI York), alongside 2 previously-announced UK Shared Prosperity Fund projects which help young people gain experience and skills in the construction sector, and supporting work to improve community venues in the city.

Councillor Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, commented: “Under our Council plan’s ‘economy and good employment’ priority, we committed to a fair, thriving, green economy for all, and to developing green skills, quality qualifications and employment. We pledged to tackle the climate emergency and help people into well-paid ‘green jobs’. 

“This is a significant step in delivering that pledge, and a milestone on the way to the ‘Green Construction Skills Village’ we promised.

“Initiatives such as CSI York are critical to this and have far reaching benefits, tackling a skills gap in the construction sector and upskilling residents so more of them can work in well-paid jobs in the exciting developments being built in the city.

“Retrofitting homes in York means warmer homes and cheaper energy bills with both better for the environment. I want to thank all the partners for their hard work on this so far and I look forward to continuing to work with them to make a real difference.”

Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities said: “While retrofitting has many benefits, we are aware of some of the barriers for residents, including the upfront costs, practicalities and lack of clear information. 

“A key part of this new initiative would see us work to remove these barriers by offering advice and support and creating a ‘retrofit one stop shop’.”

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