EEA Skills and Training Conference & Exhibition 2025

2nd October 2025 9:30am - 3:30pm

Location: Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport, Birmingham B26 3QW

Building Tomorrow: Strategies for a Skilled Workforce in the Green EconomyOne day conference on Skills and Training for the Energy Efficiency Sector

Description

Building Tomorrow: Strategies for a Skilled Workforce in the Green Economy

The EEA is pleased to invite you to join members from the energy efficiency sector, training providers and skills certification bodies, for a one day conference in Birmingham.

This conference brings together all the main stakeholders involved in skills development and delivery in the UK in order to help the energy efficiency sector gear up for increased demand for skilled, qualified and experienced people to address the pressing shortages in the industry.

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Tickets

Available Tickets: Up to 150

EEA Members: £80.00 +VAT

Non-Members: £110.00 +VAT

Call the EEA on 01691 680960 for more information

Itinerary

Thu 2nd Oct 2025

09:30 am

Registration

Doors open for registration with a chance to network over Tea & Coffee and to explore the exhibition zone.

10:30 am

Welcome Introduction

Kenneth Campbell - Chairman @ Energy Efficiency Association

EEA Chairman, Kenneth Campbell will welcome delegates and outline the programme for the day.

10:35 am

Needs & Opportunities

A guest speaker from DESNZ will discuss the needs and opportunities for skills and training within the Energy Efficiency sector

10:55 am

Apprenticeships and Training?

Graham Hasting-Evans from NOCN Group will discuss education and training support within the sector including apprenticeships.

11:30 am

Skills & Standards

Marc Stevens - Head of Energy Engagement @ Trustmark

Marc Stevens from TrustMark will discuss the journey through the industry and the TrustMark Survey of Skills & Training in the retrofit construction sector.

11:35 am

Case Study: the Creation of the Green Skills Centre

David Wilkins - Head of School: Engineering and Construction @ Milton Keynes College

David Wilkins from Milton Keynes College will discuss the impact of the Green Skills Centre and how it supports sustainable action.

11:55 am

Adult Education in the Retrofit Sector

Rebecca Waterfield - Director of Business Services @ South and City College Birmingham

Rebecca Waterfield from South and City College Birmingham will discuss progressing adult education in the retrofit sector.

12:30 pm

Lunch Break

A hot and cold lunch buffet is provided for all delegates, and a chance to meet our exhibitors.

01:30 pm

Building Tomorrow: Strategies for a Skilled Workforce in the Green Economy

A plenary panel with Dr Spencer Pitfield OBE, Mike Blakeley, Graham Hasting-Evans, Wendy Morton MP and Jane Thomas exploring key workforce trends, challenges, and training opportunities in the energy efficiency sector.

02:45 pm

Concluding Summary

Gary Braybrooke - Founder & Chief Executive @ Energy Efficiency Association

EEA Chief Executive, Gary Braybrooke will say a few words in conclusion to summarise the days discussion.

03:10 pm

Coffee & Exhibition

A final chance for delegates to meet with each other and the exhibitors.

03:30 pm

Close

Doors Close . . . .

Download Brochure

EEA Skills and Training Conference & Exhibition 2025 Brochure

Meet Our Speakers

Dynamic professionals passionate about delivering the best insights

Gary Braybrooke

Founder & Chief Executive

Energy Efficiency Association

Gary Braybrooke is a distinguished leader in the energy efficiency sector, serving as the founding Chief Executive of the Energy Efficiency Association (EEA). He is widely recognised for his exceptional ability to foster collaboration across the industry and his unwavering commitment to advancing energy efficiency and combating fuel poverty. Before founding the EEA, Gary was instrumental in the creation of the Energy Efficiency Awards, which he has successfully managed for the past decade. These awards have become a cornerstone of the industry, highlighting and celebrating excellence in energy efficiency. With a professional background in publishing and sales, Gary brings a wealth of experience in communication and stakeholder engagement. His expertise has been pivotal in driving the success of the initiatives he leads. In his personal life, Gary is an ardent supporter of Liverpool FC and a dedicated cricket enthusiast.

Kenneth Campbell

Chairman

Energy Efficiency Association

Kenneth Campbell is Chairman of the Energy Efficiency Association CiC, Co-Founder of the National Energy Efficiency Awards and Director of Campbell Braybrooke Ltd. As Association Chairman, Kenneth has a particular interest in new energy efficient technologies,investment in and funding for energy efficiency, supply chain delivery, and skills and training for the energy efficiency sector. Kenneth has Bachelor of Science degree from Glasgow University where he studied Computer Science along with Biochemistry and Physiology.

Marc Stevens

Head of Energy Engagement

Trustmark

Marc heads up the TrustMark Compliance team and is responsible for delivering a best-in-class quality assurance programme, that is not only fit for purpose now but also into the future. Working closely with our Scheme Providers and Registered Businesses, Marc and his team ensure help and support is provided on all compliance issues, whether navigating the evolving world of Retrofit and government obligations or the ongoing drive for improvement in standards for all trades working in or around the home. With over 28 years working in one of the largest UK brands in the energy and utilities sector, Marc brings a wealth of technical and management experience to TrustMark, particularly in the regulated Energy Obligations arena.

David Wilkins

Head of School: Engineering and Construction

Milton Keynes College

Dave began his career as a CITB apprentice before moving into teaching Carpentry and Joinery part-time at Barnfield College in 2000, later joining full-time in 2002. He taught and assessed NVQs while completing a CertEd and participating in the Subject Learning Coach programme. In 2008, Dave became Head of Construction at Bedford College, where he earned a Master’s in Education focused on Strategic Leadership and Management. He coached new staff and aspiring managers, and following the 2018 merger with Tresham College, joined the senior leadership team as Director of Construction and Building Services. In August 2022, Dave was appointed Vice Principal at Bedford Campus, overseeing strategic leadership and curriculum areas including Construction, Engineering, Science, Computing, and Motor Vehicle. He has led major projects such as the £11m Wellingborough Campus renovation and the £4.5m Offsite Construction Training Centre. Dave has been active in BACH since 2008, serving as National Chair from 2019–2021, helping shape national construction training policy. He has also driven initiatives like Heritage projects, Apprenticeships, and Higher Education programmes. Most recently, he developed the College’s strategy for Skills Competitions and partnered with WorldSkills UK to embed skills excellence into teaching and staff development.

Dr Spencer Pitfield OBE

Founder

SPL Strategies

Dr Spencer Pitfield OBE is the founder of SPL Strategies, a consultancy specialising in strategic communications, policy development and stakeholder engagement. Spencer has over 30 years of experience helping a diverse range of clients to define, communicate and deliver on their organisation’s needs. In this fast-moving world, his people-centred approach has supported strategic leadership and management development across political, governmental, corporate, educational and charity sectors. Spencer is well-known across the ‘Westminster village, and has supported both UK and International clients at the very highest of levels.

Graham Hasting Evans

Programme Director

NOCN CE

NOCN CE, Graham Hasting-Evans, worked in building and construction before developing the skills strategy for the London 2012 Olympics. He was programme director at the UK Commission for Employment and Skills before joining NOCN, in 2011.Graham has worked closely with the government on apprenticeship reforms, including the Apprenticeship Levy, and has powered NOCN to become the top government-approved Apprentices Assessment Organisation (AAO). He regularly speaks at events in the UK and internationally, and is often called upon for comment in further education sector media.

Mike Blakeley

Executive Director

Exeter College

Mike Blakeley leads on the Partnership, Apprenticeship and Future Skills directorate for OFSTED Outstanding Exeter College. Alongside his role of Executive Director he is also the Vice Chair of GSAP (Green Skills Advisory Panel), a body both national and international, and he assumes a pivotal role in advocating for educational initiatives aimed at bridging the skills gap in relation to Net Zero targets and a sustainable future. With a keen interest in construction training, having worked in the industry, he also serves as Chair of the Constructing Excellence SW Skills Panel, and holds a position on the board of Constructing Futures, where he represents and guides strategic decisions pertinent to education and skills development in construction.

Wendy Morton MP

MP for Aldridge-Brownhills (Conservative)

British Parliament

Wendy first entered Parliament as the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills in May 2015. Since becoming a Member of Parliament, Wendy has held a number of Government positions, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Department for Transport and Ministry of Justice. In September 2022 Wendy was appointed to the Cabinet as Government Chief Whip, the first female Conservative politician to hold this role. Since November 2024 Wendy has returned to the Shadow Frontbench in the Foreign Affairs Team. Wendy was born and bred in North Yorkshire. After leaving school, she joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Following her marriage, Wendy and her husband set up their own small business whilst she developed an interest in politics and public service. For many years Wendy has supported volunteering and social action and has been actively involved in local community projects. Having always had an interest in defence-related issues, Wendy successfully completed all the stages of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, learning more about the Royal Navy, the RAF and the British Army. Outside of politics, Wendy has taken part in many charity walks and runs. She is a member of Rotary, and she enjoys collecting art deco ceramics. She also enjoys spending time canal boating with family and friends.

Jane Thomas

CEO and Co-Founder

Women in Retrofit

Jane has worked in the energy efficiency sector for 17 years, with extensive experience delivering retrofit projects across the UK, working across the utility, supply chain and charity sectors. In 2024 Jane founded Women in Retrofit, an organisation dedicated to attracting more women into energy efficiency roles and supporting the progression of women already working within the green sector. In her current role as CEO and Co Founder of Women in Rising Green Careers, she is has created the WinR Green Skills Agenda, which is uniquely focused on how we promote the opportunities of Net Zero to women and girls across the UK; it recognises that unlocking female talent is key a part of addressing the skills shortage and successfully reaching our Net Zero ambitions.

Rebecca Waterfield

Director of Business Services

South and City College Birmingham

Rebecca works as director of business services at South and City College Birmingham, she is passionate in making sure local employers have access to the right talent and skills to fill recruitment gaps and able to access a plethora of short upskilling courses to prepare the workforce to be able to deliver retrofit and green work projects now and in the future. South & City College Birmingham has also been working in partnership with Birmingham City Council’s Net Zero team to facilitate opportunities or supply chain to meet their one contractors and support in bidding for and being successful in gaining work. Rebecca will be talking about Innovation in education through collaboration to support the local economy be ready for and rise to the retrofit revolution.

Exhibitors

Call the EEA on 01691 680960 to exhibit at this event

City Training

City Training Group is an award-winning company that provides training courses for the trades in Wales. We are committed to advancing the gas, electrical, renewable energy, heating and retrofit sectors through education and practical training.

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Daikin UK

The focus of our business is the sales and distribution of Daikin air conditioning products whilst fully utilising the advantage of our European Group Manufacturing Division.

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Department of Education

The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services and education, including early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England.

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DESNZ

We’re responsible for UK energy security, protecting billpayers and reaching net zero. DESNZ is a ministerial department, supported by 15 agencies and public bodies.

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E.On Green Funding

E.On Green Funding is tasked with helping local authorities, housing providers and customers in need of extra support to create warmer and healthier homes.

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Elmhurst Energy

Elmhurst pride themselves on delivering award-winning energy assessment, retrofit and property professional training to individuals at all stages of their career.

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PAS Safe Solutions

PAS Safe Solutions are the specialist ECO supplies company which brings a variety of solutions to Energy Company Obligation installations.

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SPS Envirowall

SPS Envirowall has for many years led the way in the supply of external wall insulation systems and high-quality decorative renders to the building and construction industry

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Swip Ltd

SWIP LTD are a specialist system designer and material supplier of insulation solutions.

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Training 4 Retrofit Ltd

Training4Retrofit offers various training programs aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing skills in the retrofit sector.

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TrustMark

TrustMark is the only UK Government-Endorsed Quality Scheme for work carried out in and around the home. TrustMark was started in 2005 to drive up standards across the home improvement sector and improve the protection offered to homeowners.

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UK Plumbing Supplies

UK Plumbing Supplies operate from over 300 individual locations and serve all aspects of the marketplace from plumbing and heating to bathrooms and renewables.

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Unyte Academy

Unyte Academy offers a range of courses to train and certify installers, assessors and coordinators in energy-saving products and renewable technologies.

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SPL Strategies

We Connect Business and Communities Across the UK

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ecmk Ltd

Established in 2003, ecmk is one of the original approved Energy Accreditation Schemes in the UK. Qualified Energy Assessors who join our schemes, get access to market leading software, training and support.

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Quidos

Welcome to Quidos, creating a greener, more sustainable future with our specialist training and accreditation.

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Women in Retrofit

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Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd

Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd has specialised in industrial boiler construction since it was established in 1865, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in this time.

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