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Government boost for low carbon sector

Business minister Ian Lucas yesterday announced £8.4m in funding for a new training centre for the region’s low carbon vehicle industry.

The new centre on Wearside will train those already working in the sector, young people and adults, and students from age 14 upwards in manufacturing and maintenance for ultra low carbon vehicles.

It will give learners access to the latest technology and production methods which already play an important role in the region, with companies including Nissan, Smith Electric Vehicles and AVID Vehicles all looking to the low carbon future.

The project will create a 5,658 sq m national Skills Academy for Sustainable Manufacturing and Innovation in Sunderland.

Ian Lucas also switched on the UK’s first publicly-available solar-powered electric vehicle charging point at Gateshead Civic Centre, which has been funded by Regional Development Agency One North East.

The canopies are manufactured through a partnership of Romag and Tegrel and are installed and distributed by British Gas.

He said: “We know it is important to train and upskill young people as we move out of the downturn, especially in growth areas like low carbon technology. That is why we are supporting projects like this. It is a great example of the education sector and industry working together to provide the facilities and training people need to get on in their careers.

The minister also met Gateshead College students who will benefit from the new centre yesterday.

He said: “Gateshead College already provides a range of great opportunities to hundreds of people who work and study here in the North East and today’s project will create up to 2,500 new places each year, helping the low carbon sector to grow, both here and across the country. We are investing in vital skills for the future to support the low carbon jobs of the future.”

Richard Thorold, principal of Gateshead College said: “This new training centre will be a major asset for the region. It will be a world class training facility for employers, apprentices and students, providing new skills for new jobs.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .