• SummitSkills' role

What is Horizon?

Horizon was the project that created a Sector Skills Agreement (SSA) for building services engineering. With the creation of the SSA, we are looking towards a brighter future for the sector, with an agreement that brings all industries together to one common focal point.

- What is a Sector Skills Agreement?

- What's in it for employers?

- What industries does it cover?

- Why is it important?

- Does it suit my needs in my area?

- Where does SummitSkills come in?

In reaching the final Sector Skills Agreement the project went through five stages - find out more about the project process.

What is a Sector Skills Agreement?
In simple terms, a Sector Skills Agreement (SSA) is a deal between employers, training providers and government. Employers lay out what their workforce and skills requirements are now and in the future. In return, the government and providers agree to fund and deliver training tailored to this need, within government policy, providing employers are also willing to make a commitment.
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What’s in it for employers?
Sector Skills Agreements were devised for employers to have a greater say in training the next generation of employees. The aim is to address what is taught, how it is taught, and how training affects and enhances the underlying performance of the business. It affects all aspects of skills and training – both new entrants and existing workers.
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What industries does it cover?
The building services engineering sector comprises a number of key industries: electrotechnical, heating & ventilation, air conditioning & refrigeration and plumbing. There are also a number of professional consultants active in these industries and across the whole sector.

SummitSkills has created an SSA for building services engineering that gives voice to employers throughout all industries and across the whole sector.
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Why is it important?
Employers will be greatly affected by the SSA. The government will use the SSA when developing policy for the sector, and it is viewed as the definitive document on the sector’s position, and the needs of its future skills and training provision. Employers need to be involved in this project now and in the future to ensure it meets their needs.
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Does it suit my needs in my area?
Depending on geographical location, employers in each area of the UK have a variety of workforce, skills and training requirements. In recognition of this, SummitSkills has produced a Sector Skills Agreement document for each of the nine English regions and one each for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. There is also one overarching document to cover the whole of England.
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Where does SummitSkills come in?
SummitSkills was charged to facilitate the agreement, but the project is signed up to by everyone who supplies, funds and plans education and training. Horizon belongs to the whole sector.
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