New College Courses Drive Sustainable Workplace Practices

People in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly now have the chance to boost their skills and learn more sustainable workplace methods through a new £2 million project dedicated to drive green practices.

The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) is leading ‘The Future is Green’ project in collaboration with Truro and Penwith College, Cornwall Marine Network, University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, Falmouth University, Focus Training (SW) Ltd, Urban Biodiversity CIC and Celtic Sea Power.

The project aims to help both unemployed and employed individuals over the age of 16, living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, to train, re-skill, or upskill for green careers in the following sectors:

Clean energy and power; wind and solar, visitor economy; green tourism and sustainable food supply, agri-food and natural resources; decarbonising agriculture and nature restoration, construction; retrofitting, heat pumps and hydrogen boilers.

Additionally, support is available to high-carbon sector businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to develop more sustainable methods through staff retraining and skills development.

“This project is a ground-breaking initiative aimed at empowering our community with the skills needed for a sustainable future,” said Lisa Pill, head of projects and partnerships at TCCG.

“By providing training in key green sectors, we are helping to create a workforce capable of driving environmental change and supporting the local economy,” added Lisa.

Recently, Cornwall College students and apprentices, with support from The Future is Green project, constructed an electric car for the Greenpower Education Trust event at Perranporth and Predannack. This project showcased innovative thinking and sustainable methods.

In a display of hard work and dedication, the learners demonstrated the crucial role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in contributing to greener practices.

Greenpower, which brought together dozens of schools and hundreds of enthusiastic pupils, was a resounding success, showcasing the talent and innovation of young minds in the field of electric car racing.

The Future is Green courses running at TCCG have already supported dozens of local employers.

Beau Carlton-Barnes, studying Level 3 Light Vehicle Repair and Maintenance at the Camborne campus, and employed by Dan CB Tyres, said: “I’m learning how to be more environmentally conscious, sustainable and drive a positive change in my daily choices and work practices. I’m really excited to take that knowledge back to the industry and do my part in creating a greener future.”

Another enthusiastic student, Nedas Venckus, employed by Robert Moore of Zoar Tyres, expressed: “This project has been a game-changer for me. The skills I’ve gained here extend beyond personal choices; they help guide me to actively make greener decisions which will positively contribute to a more environmentally responsible industry.”

To find out more about how TCCG can support your business or company, visit www.cornwall.ac.uk/the-future-is-green/