York College first in UK to launch green homebuilding Skills Bootcamp

With rising energy costs making headlines across the UK, the College has teamed up with zero-carbon homebuilder Purehaus to launch the Skills Bootcamp in Zero Carbon Construction, part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee.

Now York College and Purehaus are welcoming applications from qualified carpenters, joiners and bricklayers, for the free course – the first of its kind in the UK.

Kevin Pratt, director of Yorkshire-based Purehaus, said it was time the construction industry “rolled up its sleeves and got to work” on a long-term solution for the cost-of-living crisis.

He said: “Carbon emissions from buildings account for 40 per cent of all UK carbon emissions - that's why Pure Haus have declared war on climate change.

“The need to provide the workforce with the practical skills to meet this challenge is essential for the construction industry.

“Our partnership with York College will give students the opportunity to touch, feel and build a small unit at Yorkshire’s first zero carbon workshop in Bradford.”

The Skills Bootcamp will also provide students with a grounding in the principals of Passivhaus – an international design standard which aims to ensure new and existing buildings are optimised for minimum energy consumption and a decarbonised national grid.

Mr Pratt added: “Another key component of the Skills Bootcamp will provide an understanding of retrofitting existing properties to ensure the UK’s existing housing stock is as energy efficient as possible. This is in addition to an insight into the design-led elements of building homes, which will protect our planet for future generations.

“Let’s roll our sleeves up, put our thinking caps on and get to work.”

Ash Stokes, Head of Curriculum - Construction at York College, said: “If you have a qualification in carpentry, joinery or bricklaying, then you have the chance to learn from the experts at Purehaus, in the classroom and in a practical, working environment.

“The passion that Purehaus has in finding a long-term solution to the cost-of-living crisis, and reducing energy consumption will ensure a successful and highly-topical programme.”

The Skills Bootcamp in Zero Carbon Construction is now open for applications and begins on Saturday October 22. Find out more here Skills Bootcamp in Zero Carbon Construction and… | York College

For more information on the work of Purehaus, go to Pure Haus - Pure Haus