A cutting-edge training centre designed to put Cumbria at the forefront of delivering green skills has opened its doors.
The Green Energy and Skills Centre at Lakes College, Lillyhall, near Workington, was officially opened by principal Chris Nattress and Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington.
The centre features low carbon experience bays designed to develop the skills needed for air and ground source heat pumps, solar PV and battery storage, solar thermal, retrofit, electric vehicle charging and low carbon heating.
Mr Nattress said: “Our vision for this outstanding facility is for it to become a vital hub for green skills development in our region.
“Net zero is a matter of great importance and the UK and Cumbria have ambitious green targets to hit to protect our planet for future generations.
“The skills delivered in this centre will help us to lead the way in decarbonisation, energy security, and jobs.”
New courses are being developed to utilise the space, including a low carbon heating technician course and apprenticeship to train skilled heat pump installers.
The centre’s state-of-the-art equipment was supplied by leading manufacturers Vaillant Group and installed by local renewable specialists PCL Net Zero, who were both represented at the opening.
The Heat Pump Association projects the UK will need the equivalent of 33,700 full-time employed heat pump installers to support the transition to clean heating systems, with just shy of 7,117 new installers being qualified so far in 2024.
Mr MacAlister said: “This Labour Government has committed through its Warm Home Plan to upgrade hundreds of thousands of homes in the coming years. This will mean cheaper bills, warmer homes and the chance to create new jobs.
“To deliver this in West Cumbria we need an effective training centre to ramp up the skilled workforce ready to retrofit and upgrade thousands of homes.
“That’s why I’m delighted to see the opening of the new Green Energy and Skills Centre at Lakes College, and its collaboration with the private sector in Vaillant Group and local renewable specialists PCL Net Zero.”
The development was paid for by the Local Skills Improvement Fund, which has also enabled upskilling of the newly-assembled green team at Lakes College.
