Greg Barker MP, minister of state for Climate Change visited has insulation specialist Mark Group in Leicester to meet the 1,000th trainee to graduate from its academy since it opened in 2008.
The visit, which took place at the academy on June 10, was a chance for Shaun Williams (23), the school's 1,000 graduate, to be congratulated by the minister.

Shaun Williams said: 'I worked in a bakery for five years but wanted a job which would be more hands-on and give me a feeling of achievement. The training I've received so far at Mark Group has been excellent and I know the company also specialises in renewable technology, so after every loft in the UK has been insulated, there could be an excellent future here for me.'

The visit was supported by insulation industry body, the National Insulation Association (NIA) which represents the manufacturers and installers of cavity and solid wall insulation, loft insulation and draught proofing and has been working with the new government on its Green Deal home energy efficiency programme.

Neil Marshall, NIA chief executive, said: 'The Green Deal is a very exciting new initiative and our industry looks forward to continuing to work with government in developing a robust delivery plan which will ensure a major increase in insulation volumes going forward whilst maintaining the highest levels of quality, standards and customer service.'

Greg Barker, who had a go at laying loft insulation and filling a cavity wall at the academy, said: 'Our plans will make it as easy and as financially attractive as possible to get people to lag their lofts, fill in wall cavities and take further steps to reduce their use of energy in the home.'