11 October 2023
Driving green skills with collaboration to work towards net zero
The West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges (WYCC) is striving to improve 'Green Skills' in the north.
The consortium, which has been in operation for over 20 years, is constantly growing its network. With its colleges at the core, the ‘Green Consortium’ is making strides in collaborative projects to support the net zero agenda.
WYCC is helping to develop the region’s green training offer for businesses and the next generation of workers. This is being made possible through collaboration and building capacity. The work includes supporting teaching skills and knowledge and investing in the equipment needed to deliver technical and awareness training that contributes to reducing carbon.
Much of this work is taking place now. In the last year, WYCC utilised £2.6m the DfE’s Strategic Development Fund to provide capital investment in Electric Vehicle and Retrofit equipment in several colleges, and deliver a programme of collective training for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within seven West Yorkshire Colleges.
Alongside this, the consortium is working with partners across the region to collect and understand intelligence from employers about the current and future ‘green skills’ needs. This information is being used to support course development within colleges and training providers and, where appropriate make a case for funding.
Together with colleges, partners and employers, the consortium is continuing forge relationships and secure resources to enhance the capacity in the region for employer training.
Project Director for the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, Joanne Patrickson said: “We have a wide network of partnerships and connections, and we’re working towards supporting businesses and individuals to become greener, and more sustainable through skills.
“Our colleges are at the core; however, we link with employers, councils, private training providers, universities, combined authorities, the Chamber of Commerce and many more to bring all the intelligence together and identify resources to enable the delivery of green training.
“It can be difficult to quantify the power of collaboration, but we know how much of a difference it makes. Our strength lies in our ability to bring the right mix of people, intelligence and ambition together and deliver skills projects that make an impact.”
Managed by the consortium, the DfE’s Strategic Development Fund provided capital investment to increase specialist equipment to deliver electric vehicle and retrofit training. The investment has also provided collaborative opportunities for colleges to work together and embed ‘green knowledge’ into curriculum and improve links with businesses to develop and enhance their green skills through The Green Skills Service.
The Green Skills Service website provides businesses with an unbiased hub to a search for live green courses (some with funding available), events, inspiration and resources to become more sustainable.
While the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges continues to enhance the region’s green skills at large, it is also charting its own journey towards becoming more sustainable. WYCC has published its Climate and Sustainability Pledge and runs a blog to share the journey, the challenges and successes with others.
Join us at The North Green Skills Conference on Thursday 12th October in Manchester!
And for The Green Skills Service go to www.thegreenskillsservice.co.uk or email skills@westyorkshirecolleges.ac.uk
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