Green skills project gets £2.4 million Government cash boost

A skills collaboration has secured £2.4 million Government cash it says will bolster the green industrial revolution.

A Northumberland College-led project has been backed by the Department for Education’s Strategic Development Fund.

Bosses say the money will “reshape technical skills training in the low-carbon energy generation and electric and hybrid vehicle sectors” by introducing new courses across areas including battery making, vehicle electrification, micro renewables and offshore wind.

They say 3D learning experiences will be developed, to immerse students in real-world scenarios, adding a STEM outreach programme will also be established.

The college will deliver the scheme alongside Newcastle College, Tyne Coast College, SORA Group, 3t Energy Group and Energy Central, as well as industry partners such as Energi Coast.

Iain Nixon, vice principal of partnerships and commercial at Education Partnership North East, which includes Northumberland College, said: “The funding will help co-design new courses to help young people and adults develop the skills required by the area’s emerging green power and green transport sectors.

“The project will ensure industry has access to highly-skilled workers, to support growth and drive improved productivity.”