Forty unemployed residents from across Newcastle City have received training to help them to secure employment in the growing renewable energy sector.
The project, supported by Newcastle Science City and Newcastle City Council, received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to develop transferable skills in microgeneration to ensure local jobs are created and sustained in green economy.
newtonhillsolarfarm, part of the UK’s National Renewable Energy Centre, in partnership with Newcastle Warm Zone managed and delivered the training to skilled and semi-skilled unemployed technicians interested in up-skilling, diversifying and gaining knowledge of new microrenewable technology systems.
newtonhillsolarfarm conducted a training needs analysis to decide the most appropriate and flexible training programme tailored to suit the learners’ individual needs. Trainees chose from a variety of accredited courses which included; working at height, PV installation, solar thermal installation and systems maintenance.
The training provided the learners with the opportunity to gain qualifications which are highly regarded by employers in the field of microgeneration. Ian Wilson, qualified Gas Engineer said:
The training we have received has been first class and I’m hopeful that the experience and qualifications that I’ve gained as a result of completing this training will help me in my search for employment.
A number of trainees who successfully completed the course have already gone on to secure employment in the area of renewable energy. Newcastle Science City hopes to build on the project achievements thus far, helping more citizens to develop their expertise and skills in this new and emerging market.
Nick Powell, Community Engagement Officer, Newcastle Science City said:
We must effectively work together to integrate and coordinate this funding and use it to help create and sustain as many local jobs as we can, with local people designing, supplying, installing and maintaining a range of renewable technologies in domestic and commercial properties.
This project complements and coordinates renewable energy activities across the city to ensure we take advantage of the new opportunities arising in this area. Narec is providing energy master planning to Newcastle City Council to develop and agree a sustainable energy action plan and a citywide climate change strategy, to deliver regeneration and help drive forward the delivery of low carbon and affordable energy schemes.
Simon Johnson, Energy Manager, Newcastle City Council said:
newtonhillsolarfarm has been instrumental in helping the Council pull together an innovative and practical Energy Master Plan that can help underpin more green investment and jobs in the Newcastle area.
