Newbury College launches new renewables centre

Newbury College has shown its commitment to tackling climate change with the launch of its new renewables centre writes Louie Hoyle

The renewables centre has been designed to help teach and develop the skills necessary to deliver on green energy.

The centre, which was officially opened on October 20, is currently supporting the development of skills on technologies such as solar and energy cells and heat pumps.

Thames Valley Berkshire LEP helped fund the new building, which is fully equipped and offers a practical and immersive training experience for plumbers, electricians and engineers.

Bob Beveridge, chair of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, was at the launch. He said: “We know that decreasing carbon emissions is a global priority, but it is in the steps that individual community’s take that change will be affected. As a community, Berkshire has already signalled its commitment to net zero and started making progress towards this goal.

"The renewables centre at Newbury College is one of several further education facilities the LEP has funded to nurture the talent needed to reach our green ambitions. Overall, the LEP has invested over £83.5 million in green initiatives for Berkshire, such as the award-winning Smart City Cluster projects, railway station improvements and cycle ways.”

Iain Wolloff, principal and chief executive of Newbury College, added: “The launch of the renewables centre is part of our commitment to our community that ensures we are delivering the future skills needed by local business.

"It supports our vision to create opportunities that transform lives and develop talented people with the skills they need to reduce our impact on the environment collectively.”

At the opening, students gave tours of the college and the new building, as well as having the opportunity to talk about the work experience and employment opportunities they have.

To find out more about the renewables centre or arrange a tour for a school group or business, please email marketing@newbury-college.ac.uk or visit newbury-college.ac.uk/construction for details of the Building Technology and Construction programmes and apprenticeships available.