A University of Exeter-supported project developing skills needed for a future green economy has received a funding extension following the success of its first phase.
The Future is Green - a multi-million-pound programme targeting high-growth carbon reduction sectors of strategic importance for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly - has been awarded an additional £1.61m to continue green skills development provision over the next 12 months.
The University will receive more than £334,000 of that funding to build on its impact to date, delivering online and in-person training modules that explore clean energy and power, and sustainable leadership and the circular economy skills.
The overall project is led by the Cornwall College Group, with the University and a host of partners across the Southwest peninsula delivering different strands.
It has been funded through a grant from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
"From the people engaging with our project, we've seen a clear commitment to moving towards the green economy across our region," said Mary Hesling, Impact and Partnership Development Manager at Exeter Innovation on the University's Penryn campus. "But we know that workforce skills gaps remain, and visionary transformative leadership is needed to enable Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to fully harness the opportunities, and face the challenges, of this new eco-industrial revolution. So, we're delighted that the project is continuing and we have the opportunity to build on the success of the past 15 months."
During phase one of the programme, University representatives from business, innovation and engineering helped to deliver nine programmes, amounting to 86 hours of training and over 2,200 hours of learning and engagement.
More than 170 individuals, representing 79 businesses, took part in that training, and 139 people gained a new qualification. More than a third of those businesses were from the clean energy sector.
Among the most impactful projects from the first phase were a six-week 'Integrated Energy Systems in the Built Environment' hybrid course, delivered to two learner cohorts; and the two-day intensive residential 'Transformative Leadership in Our New Green Economy'.
For Lisa Pill, Director of Estates and Capital at led partner the Cornwall College Group, this extension presents "a fantastic opportunity to create more sustainable prospects for the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly." Lisa continues by saying: "This funding will help develop the green skills needed for a sustainable future. By continuing to invest in this vital sector, we're not only addressing the immediate needs of the green economy but also empowering local businesses and individuals to take the lead in the transition to a low-carbon world. We've seen first-hand how crucial this project has been for the local economy, and we're excited to continue building a resilient, future-ready workforce in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly."
