Impact Partner: Generation UK&I

Overview of the Partnership

ORIT has partnered with Generation UK & Ireland ("Generation") for the past four years, helping to deliver high-quality, life-changing training for individuals facing significant barriers to employment, and enabling them to take the first steps into meaningful, sustainable careers in the green sector. ORIT’s collaboration has supported Generation to leverage significant match funding from public and private sector sources for this work, enabling the expansion of the UK’s Retrofit Advisor programme and Solar Installer programme. ORIT will also be supporting a London-based cohort of retrofit advisors in 2026.

ORIT is proud of the wider impact of this partnership. There is a significant green skills gap that needs to be urgently addressed to meet ambitious net-zero targets by 2050 and fill the hundreds of thousands of vacancies that are slowing progress. This work is playing a part in addressing this critical need for scalable skilling programmes, raising awareness of green careers with young people, and enabling a just transition by increasing accessibility of programmes to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The report below highlights the valuable impact the ORIT x Generation partnership has provided.

Programme/KPI Review

Admissions

The partnership between ORIT and Generation has led to the successful onboarding of over 50 learners facing multiple and significant barriers to entering employment onto green ‘train-and-place’ programmes. Learners have on average three to four barriers and reflect a diverse profile as set out below.

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The programme consistently reached the intended demographic and achieved a higher applicant-to-enrolment conversion rate than comparable initiatives, indicating strong learner motivation, programme fit, and potential for impact for those facing barriers to employment.

Key year-on-year improvements have been embedded, including more targeted outreach (notably in-person flyering), a strengthened value proposition through learner testimonials, employer endorsement, and clearer signalling of industry-recognised qualifications. These changes have contributed to improved outcomes in the most recent Ireland cohort which had 24 learners.

Bootcamp learning and support

Learners on all programmes have been supported through two key phases of engagement.

(1) Bootcamp Delivery:

Retrofit Adviser - 10 weeks of remote profession-specific training in remote live classrooms with expert instructors and supported by Learner Progress Managers. Curriculums cover key technical skills required to work in retrofit, mindsets and behaviours, as well as employability essentials needed for the end role and a L3 Retrofit Qualification.

Solar Installer - 6 weeks of full-time training with a hybrid delivery approach (4 weeks online, 2 weeks in person). The programme includes a Working at Heights certificate and Green Constriction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, along with Generation’s carefully curated curriculum of technical, behavioural, and mindset skills needed to by employers in the industry.

Across both programmes, learners received extensive mentorship, support, and coaching, including 1:1s and group work. Learners with additional support needs were paired with a Learning Inclusion Manager with personalised learning plans to address their unique needs.

(2) Placement Phase:

Learners received up to 6-months of post-programme mentoring and employability coaching to support the transition to work, including matchmaking to interviews for live vacancies with employer partners, support with self-placement, mock interviews, and CV support.

The table below summarises the key data from across the grants.

The initial Solar cohorts marked Generation’s first delivery of a new curriculum to a new learner profile, working with new external partners to deliver the practical components. Learners consistently reported that they were effectively upskilled with all the technical skills, behaviours and mindsets that employers require for entry-level installers.

Following the initial cohorts, Generation conducted a detailed review, incorporating learner feedback and delivery insights to refine the curriculum, clarify the learner profile best suited to the course, and change their UK practical delivery partner. For the second cohort, Generation partnered with Capital City College to deliver the practical elements at their facilities, which has received very positive feedback from learners and Generation staff. This engagement furthered the success subsequent cohorts, with graduation rates at approximately 90%, in line with Generation’s target KPI and other programme outcomes.

Placement

The programme ORIT funded supported the placement of approx. 25 learners into life-changing green careers. These jobs, with average placement salaries of £28k+/year, represent a significant uplift compared to pre-programme income (typically Universal Credit).

Such job outcomes represent a significant ‘social impact’ relative to what would have happened without support (as indicated by evaluations of Generation’s work overall including this DWP Data Labs report).

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The programme aims for 60-70% to secure employment by the end of the 6-month phase, with many placements occurring well before then.

The ORIT programme supported a vital piloting phase for Generation’s new solar programme during which Generation gained significant learning about the employment landscape in this industry. Initial placements in Ireland have been positive and Generation are confident to continue to deliver the programme in the country with plans for future scaling.

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Hear from the learners - beyond the statistics!

Tia's Story - Retrofit Advisor

A Difficult Start

Tia was raised by a single mother who worked four jobs to put food on the table for her children. So for Tia, hard work was a given. She wasn’t able to finish university, in part because of the impact of two chronic illnesses that had yet to be diagnosed. She plunged into the workforce, taking whatever job she could land.

The jobs she could get were menial and physically taxing, requiring heavy lifting and being on her feet all day. Eventually, given her conditions, she collapsed and landed in hospital, losing her ability to work. For a period of about five years, she was mostly unemployed despite some ad hoc work she secured here and there. “The only thing I could focus on was staying alive,” she shared. In the pandemic, her husband also lost his job, worsening their situation.

Discovering a New Path

Once Tia had a diagnosis for her conditions and had her health a bit more under control, she eventually made her way to a local employment center in her area. At first she was skeptical that she could find work that didn’t require physical labor, but when they showed her the course offerings at Generation, a spark lit up for her. She marveled at the diversity of courses available and that all were well-paying desk jobs that didn’t require a university degree. Generation UK’s Retrofit Advisor programme spoke to her immediately.

This interest, paired with a very supportive environment, fueled her journey to a new career. As the course progressed, Tia’s mental health improved dramatically as well. “More often than not, Generation’s instructors and mentors were telling you what you were really good at and what they wanted to encourage you in. And of course, if you were struggling with something, there was always that unconditional support.”

Building a Career with Purpose

Today, Tia works as a Project Administrator at YES Energy Solutions – an award-winning UK-based small business in the green retrofitting industry.

She is doing something she is extremely passionate about – helping people of very little means get out of fuel poverty while saving money on their energy bills and improving their quality of life. This, all while making a positive contribution to the environment. She loves her colleagues and spoke extensively about the accommodations made for her at work to ensure she can do her job and manage her health.

Looking Ahead

“Compared to the girl that sat in the corner of her couch, just kind of wallowing in self-pity, I am miles better than I was. That course feels like what the fairy godmother was for Cinderella. It is honestly a massive turnaround. Generation changed my entire life!”

Tia looks forward to continuing her career in the retrofitting industry for many years to come.

Hear directly from Tia!

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Sean's Story - Solar Installer

From Unemployment to a Bright Future in Renewable Energy

Before joining the Generation Solar Panel Installer bootcamp, Sean faced significant challenges re-entering the workforce. "I was out of work for an extended period due to some personal challenges," Sean explains. "I had some prior experience in construction, but I needed an opportunity to gain new skills and build a sustainable career." "One of the biggest challenges was finding a job that genuinely interested me."

Discovering the Power of Solar

Sean joined the Generation bootcamp with a strong motivation to learn. "I was particularly excited to understand the technical knowledge behind solar panels and different installation methods. "Despite his enthusiasm, some aspects were challenging. "Working with data was quite complex, especially coming from a non-electrical background". The continuous support from the Generation team helped me overcome these challenges and build confidence in my abilities."

A Transformative Experience

Through the bootcamp, Sean gained more than just technical skills. "The programme gave me a new perspective on modern technology and the growing opportunities in this industry," he reflects. "It also significantly boosted my confidence in re-entering the workforce. I now feel much more prepared and motivated to advance in my career."

Upon completing the programme, Sean secured a role as a Junior Solar Installer at Sav Electrical Systems. "I really appreciate the opportunities for growth that this job provides," he says. "Being on-site allows me to gain hands-on experience and continuously expand my practical knowledge."

Looking Ahead

Though he is still in the early stages of his new career, Sean is eager for what the future holds. "I’m excited to gain more experience and develop my skills further," he says. "This opportunity has opened doors for me to explore different roles within the industry and work in a sector that values creativity and innovation."

For Sean, employment means more than just financial stability—it’s a pathway to a fulfilling and progressive career. "Although I’m just starting out, I already feel a sense of excitement about the opportunities ahead," he shares. "In the long run, I hope to continue developing professionally and take advantage of future career advancements in this growing field."

Sean’s story is a testament to the programme’s potential impact and the opportunities that come with determination and the right support. "The Generation bootcamp changed my career path," he concludes. "I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh start in an exciting industry."

Other Stories

• Listen here: Arinola, Deven, and Hamza speak about their experience on the London bootcamp.

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Green Priorities for 2026 and Beyond

Moving into 2026, ORIT remains committed to continue to working with Generation to deliver high-impact green skilling programmes and support people facing barriers to employment into roles in the green sector, contributing the just transition to net-zero. ORIT is supporting a London-based cohort of retrofit advisors in 2026.

Building on learnings from 2025, Generation plans to improve its programmes to help more learners secure jobs, including adding recognised solar certification and better supporting soft skills during placements. It will also simplify the retrofit course and introduce additional energy assessor training to widen job opportunities.