The City of Liverpool College is set to become a Centre of Excellence after securing funding for training in advanced technologies and green skills. Tony McDonough reports.
City of Liverpool College secures investment to support green skills training
The City of Liverpool College has secured a £100,000 investment for new training facilities through the Test and Learn Retrofit Skills Programme.
The programme, funded by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, is being delivered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in collaboration with the North West Net Zero Hub.
From its Industry and Innovation Centre on Vauxhall Road, the college will deliver full-time plumbing, gas, and engineering courses, as well as a new Low Carbon Heating Technician apprenticeship programme. Learners will gain essential skills in heat pumps, solar photovoltaic systems and district heat networks.
Training has been designed to develop specific skills required in the current and future jobs market. Earlier this year, the college was praised by OFSTED for its “outstanding” contribution in meeting the training needs of city region employers.
It has formed partnerships with businesses in the advanced technologies sector, including Vaillant Group, to allow learners to hone and apply their skills. The centre will operate as a regional training centre for Vaillant accredited providers.
Elaine Bowker, Principal at The City of Liverpool College, said: “We are hugely grateful to LCRCA to have secured this investment.
“The training programmes we will be able to provide are truly second to none in the region. With the UK desperately needing a more green skilled workforce, the funding will allow us to offer cutting-edge training in the latest green technologies, while expanding our apprenticeship programs.
“We are excited to work towards addressing the green skills shortage and supporting the UK government’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”
Henrik Juhl Hansen, managing director of Vaillant UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be supporting The City of Liverpool College as it builds its capabilities to deliver green skills using the latest technologies.”
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The college has also secured funding to deliver Skills Bootcamps from November, providing training programs for individuals looking to re-train or upskill in green energy technologies.
The college has a long-standing commitment to promoting Green Skills and sustainability, having previously secured £4.5 million in funding from the Local Skills Improvement Fund for projects related to solar installation and hydrogen technology.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “The City of Liverpool College’s new green skills programme is a fantastic step forward for our region. By helping to equip local people with the knowledge and expertise to work in emerging green technologies, we’re tackling the climate crisis head-on and creating new opportunities for residents.
“It’s exactly the kind of initiative that ensures our region is ready to lead the race to net zero and take full advantage of the jobs and industries of the future. This investment is proof that by working together, we can build a cleaner, greener, and fairer future for everyone.”
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