Major new training collaboration to deliver skills in energy and the built environment
The new collaboration, which will include both University and Envirolink staff working together on the Salford campus, will deliver a range of courses and workshops to help individuals and organisations of all sizes reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs from buildings. The collaboration will also work with companies to upskill the industry and adapt to the fast growing and changing market demands.
Through the creation of the new continuous professional development (CPD) division both organisations are making a bid to tackle a severe skills gap which is hampering the UK in meeting its targets to reduce carbon emissions, combat fuel poverty and increase energy efficiency.
The CPD centre, called the Envirolink & University of Salford Energy Training Collaboration, is aimed at organisations and professionals working within sectors such as housing, construction and energy management. It is aimed at the full supply chain – from suppliers to end users.
The first short courses are already taking on students, with one focusing on the use of thermal cameras and air tightness tests to help reduce energy loss. And more courses on a variety of related subjects are in the pipeline.
Unlike other training provision supplied within the sector, the new centre will bring together the world-leading built environment and energy research and teaching base at the University with the industry knowledge and insight which Envirolink has developed over the last ten years.
Much of the training will also be carried out at the University’s unique Energy House – a full-size reconstructed house built inside a climate controlled lab.
Envirolink Chief Executive, Nick Storer, said: “This exciting new collaboration brings together two leading organisations that will deliver a unique and high-quality training service. We are looking forward to working with the University to ensure this collaboration becomes a market leader in the provision of CPD training in the energy and built environment.”
The collaboration is hoping to reach around 400 students in its first year and will be adopting a tailored approach to many of the courses – for example there are plans to create training for specific organisations such as housing associations who are working to promote energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty among their tenants.
George Baxter, the University’s Director of Research and Innovation said: “This collaboration will go a long way in training the thousands of professionals we need to implement policies like the Green Deal and meet our energy and carbon targets.
“With Salford’s facilities and researchers and Envirolink’s huge experience, the training we will provide will be at the very forefront of addressing this major and pressing need.”
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