Natalie King, joint managing director of Cinderford's pioneering construction school AccXel, has been appointed to the national board of a government-backed panel which aims to close a green skills gap in the construction industry.
A committee of more than 500 UK housing and construction businesses, supported by government agencies and education providers, the Green Skills Advisory Panel (GSAP) exists to 'create a new era of green construction practices' in the industry through education and cross sector collaboration.
Founded in 2022, the GSAP has been instrumental in the introduction of green construction into school curriculums, as well as in developing training programmes and qualifications to upskill workforces, in areas like fabric first approach and retrofit.
From its beginnings as a south west-based membership group, the panel is widening its scope following a national rollout in 2024, with the new national board being appointed to direct and engage in its work.
Natalie, who became joint managing director of AccXel in 2024, says she is delighted to be appointed to the national board, which has elected former government minister for skills, apprenticeships and higher education, Robert Halfon, as honorary chair.
The role of the board is to represent members’ interests at a national level in government, industry forums and public discussions; commission and publish reports informing members and stakeholders; promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the green skills sector; enhance the role of employers in designing curriculums; and inform and influence industry training standards and best practice.
Natalie posted to LinkedIn following her appointment: 'I am very excited to be working alongside government, education and industry heavyweights ... and we look forward to furthering the green skills agenda in both industry and education!'
