New training and development opportunities are being offered to meet the demand of the ever-increasing job opportunities in renewable technologies.
Bath College has been working closely with Bath and North East Somerset Council to support the emerging renewable and sustainable technologies for several years.
But the recently-merged College is now going “even greener” as it becomes a training hub for a new series of courses in solar thermal, solar panel and the principles of renewable technologies.
This month’s free courses are open to everyone, but are particularly targeting unemployed young people who want to set up their own businesses.
There is a real demand for workers in the renewable energy industry as more and more people rely on the power generated by sources like the wind, waves and sun.
It comes as the UK’s green economy is worth £128 billion and the Government has a target that 15 per cent of our energy should come from renewable sources by 2020.
Martin Reeves, Senior Curriculum Leader in Construction, said the courses were focused on making sure people’s homes were ‘fit for the future.’
He said: “This is a very exciting time for Bath College as we work with industry partners to help build a sustainable future.
“The renewable energies industry offers so many exciting job opportunities and we want to help match people to the jobs that are out there.
“The College is pleased to be at the forefront of renewal energy training. We are proud to be ambassadors of sustainability.”
City of Bath College formerly worked in partnership with Norton Radstock College to run the Green Skills Academy.
Several one-day and short courses proved to be popular, including air source heat pumps, water harvesting and sustainable construction.
Up-skilling programmes for trades people were also held, as well as ‘toolbox talks’ for the public to learn more about renewable energies.
The Green Skills Academy met all its initial targets, including purchasing specialist equipment for training purposes and providing training to more than 10 unemployed people and more than 150 16 to 18-year-olds over two years.
Bath College recently hosted a presentation to spread the word on its free external wall insulation course.
More than 15 plasterers and renderers attended and signed up for the course, which is being run in conjunction with Energy at Home and Low Carbon South West.
The Fundamental Principles of Renewable Technologies course is on June 15-16, Solar PV Technologies is on June 22-26 and Solar Thermal is on June 29- July 3.
They are all Level 3 qualifications and will be held at Bath College’s City Centre Campus.
For more information on green skills courses running at Bath College, call 01225 312191 or visit www.bathcollege.ac.uk
