Three additional training providers as part of Construction and Green Skills Bootcamps

GREATER Manchester’s Skills Bootcamps programme will be delivering further courses in Construction and Green Energy fast-tracking 500 learners into new jobs.

During the week of COP27, where world leaders meet to discuss solutions to climate change, Greater Manchester continues to be on the front foot by ensuring our workforce have the skills required to help Greater Manchester reach its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2038.

The Growth Company, Salford City College and Northwest Skills Academy will be joining One Manchester and Complete Skills Solutions to provide Construction and Green Energy training courses, after being awarded contracts by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). The programme is fully funded thanks to the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee.

Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for those aged 19 and over which give people the opportunity to build up sector specific skills and earn a guaranteed interview with a local employer on completion. The Construction and Green Energy training courses have been designed alongside employers to address the skills shortage in the sector and aims to help people secure employment in both industries. The courses also ensure Greater Manchester has the technical skills to future-proof the city-region's homes and businesses.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester’s lead for Education, Work, Skills, Apprenticeships and Digital, said: “This is training which focusses on the Construction and Green Energy skills that we so greatly need if we are to achieve our target of net-zero emissions by 2038.

“Greater Manchester Combined Authority is striving to improve our city-region’s skill set and we are committed to creating opportunities for local people to find exciting careers in burgeoning industries.

“Skills Bootcamps are a highly effective way to learn skills in a range of in-demand sectors including construction and green energy. I urge more residents to take advantage of these fully-funded courses and get on the path to well-paid careers. It’s also a key to levelling up the economy and attracting inward investment.”

An array of different training courses in the sector are available for Greater Manchester residents to apply for.

The Growth Company Skills Bootcamps are for everyone, regardless of previous qualifications or training. Participants will gain both a practical and theoretical understanding of Green Technologies and receive industry recognised qualifications.

Salford City College’s Low Carbon Heating Technician Skills Bootcamps aim to equip plumbing and heating engineers with practical skills and knowledge required to install and maintain air source heat pumps and solar thermal hot water systems, while also providing an overview of renewable energy technologies.

Participants will receive two certificates recognised by the Micro-generation Certification Scheme (MCS) as evidence of suitable training to meet their standards.

Northwest Skills Academy will focus on Level 2 & Level 3 Insulation bootcamps and Level 2 Fenestration Bootcamps with an additional focus on Retrofit Training for the unemployed.

Skills Bootcamps will also focus support towards individuals across priority groups including:

• Low paid workers
• The unemployed or out of work
• Veterans
• Ex-offenders
• Women
• Ethnic minorities
• The over 50s
• Those returning work after a break/maternity leave
• People living with a health conditions or disabilities

Roosevelt Alexander, Sector Director of the Growth Company, Education and Skills, said: “We are thrilled to be able to deliver this Skills Bootcamp for the people of Greater Manchester who are looking to upskill or start their career in Green Technologies. The Bootcamp will be delivered at our new Green Skills Academy in Trafford Park, the first of its kind in the North, purpose-designed to deliver high-quality training in emerging technologies. 

“As winners of the Low Carbon Innovator of the Year Award at the Construction Apprenticeship Awards earlier this year, the opportunity to deliver these Bootcamps complements our commitment to training the next generation to tackle climate change.”

Allan Milne, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement of Salford City College group, said: “Salford City College Group are delighted to provide essential training for plumbers and gas fitters across Greater Manchester, future proofing their businesses by enabling them to install and maintain heat pumps and solar thermal systems. We look forward to welcoming Skills Bootcamps learners and employer partners to our new Low Carbon Skills Centre of Excellence.”

Gemma Beech, Managing Director at Northwest Skills Academy, said: “The team at Northwest Skills are delighted to be part of this wave of Construction and Retrofit bootcamp delivery. As a business we have been supporting individuals and employers over 10 years across Construction & Green Skills. We have worked closely with employers and businesses to design flexible and bespoke bootcamps while focusing on job outcomes to support the Greater Manchester economy.”

To apply for Northwest Skills Academy’s Bootcamps please visit: Skills Bootcamp in Retrofit - Low Carbon Academy

To apply for The Growth Company’s Bootcamps please visit: Skills Bootcamp in Green Technology (external website)

For more information about Skills Bootcamps please visit: Skills Bootcamps - Greater Manchester Combined Authority (greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk)

Article Published: 08/11/2022 16:03 PM