The Industrial and Commercial Energy Association (ICOM) has launched a joint initiative with Energy & Utility Skills (EU Skills) to create growth and jobs through a dedicated Industrial and Commercial Downstream Gas Network. Through ICOM, the Network will deliver a wide range of benefits to companies operating in the non-domestic heating industry, promoting and underpinning their growth.

ICOM director Ross Anderson explained: “This initiative will harness the expertise and resources of EU Skills to help companies identify and address the key barriers to sustained growth. These include maximising skills of employees, filling skills gaps and tailoring training and evaluation courses to meet the real-world needs of the industry. It will also provide access to partnerships, networking opportunities and information on new business opportunities.

“This is an exciting initiative for the industrial and commercial heating industry. It is probably the first time that Government funding has been made available to provide us with a dedicated platform to achieve the resources, skills and routes to competence that suit our own business needs.”

All ICOM members are being offered automatic membership of the Industrial and Commercial Downstream Gas Network and ICOM will also facilitate the membership of non-member companies in the commercial and industrial heating sector.

Neil Robertson, Chief Executive at EU Skills said: “I believe this joint initiative presents significant opportunities for small businesses involved in the network. As the network grows it will attract new talent, develop the skills required and provide the industry knowledge for the benefit of all involved.”