Over 350 Manchester residents gain new skills in green technology

351 Greater Manchester residents have gained new skills in green technologies through programmes delivered at our Green Skills Academy in Trafford Park.  

We launched the Green Skills Academy in January 2023 to support Greater Manchester’s ambitions to reach Net Zero carbon by 2038, by accelerating the rate of training for green technology professionals.  

In the past year, 351 learners have taken part in Skills Bootcamps and short courses covering a range of green technologies, including heat pumps and solar PVs.

Already, these learners are making waves in industry, bringing the green skills needed in the workforce to propel Greater Manchester towards its net zero goal.

One learner who is looking forward to starting a new role in the sector is Nigel Harrop, who completed the Skills Bootcamp in The Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Types.

Nigel said: “After working overseas for 23 years in the Oil and Gas sector, I returned home to work in the UK.  After being unsuccessful trying to gain employment, I was directed to the Green Skills Academy as I wanted to learn more about the renewable energy sector.

“I found the course and the tutor brilliant it really opened my eyes to the sector. After completing the course, I secured an interview and am now preparing to start a new role in the energy sector.” 

Roosevelt Alexander, Director of the Green Skills Academy, said: “We opened our Green Skills Academy last year to play a key role in overcoming the skills shortage in the green sector. We have seen some fantastic learners come through the Academy and we can already see the positive impact they are having within the workforce.

“It has been an incredible first year and we look forward to continuing to build on these experiences and ensuring that we are offering the best possible experience for our learners and preparing them to enter the workforce.”

The Green Skills Academy helps businesses looking to prepare their workforce for the opportunities and challenges presented by the transition to net zero, and individuals looking to upskill.

Visit the website to find out more about the Green Skills Academy and programmes delivered.