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Investment for high level training in environmental sector
17.12.09
A project to support business growth in the environmental goods and services sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by offering higher level skills training and advice to more than 200 employees and managers has been approved for almost half a million pounds worth of ESF (European Social Fund) Convergence investment.
The Convergence investment for ‘Strengthening the Environmental Sector’ is being delivered via the Learning and Skills Council which has awarded the contract to Cornwall College. The College will use partners - Rezolve, Kernow, Cornwall Development Company, Global Action Plan and Environment Kernow - to deliver the project which will include conferences, seminars and bespoke training addressing key skills gaps in the sector
The project will target those involved in businesses and organisations including those involved in life sciences, marine and coastal, food and renewable energies. It will also support businesses that are diversifying into the sector and aims to strengthen the newly formed Environmental Skills Network.
Mark Williams, ESF Director for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) South West said: “We are focusing on some of the core aspects of training within those business areas that are central to the longer term economic potential of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
“The environmental sector in Cornwall is growing and it is very important to support that growth with the specific skills the industry needs. This investment will ensure that we strengthen our understanding of the current challenges to both our environment and the economy and help local businesses benefit from the low carbon and environmental opportunities that either currently exist or will develop in the near future. This particular project will also help to ensure that knowledge and skills keep pace with Convergence research and infrastructure investments.
“This project is poised to deliver crucial support to a sector whose increasing importance to economic recovery, is widely recognised.”
Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership, said: “ESF Convergence investment is supporting training and skills across the economy to help our businesses offer a more competitive service to their clients. In theses uncertain economic times training plays a key role in helping prepare for the economic upturn, whenever it happens. The environment sector will play an important role in helping ensure that all our economic activity is environmentally smarter.”
Cornwall College Business will develop the structure and capacity for legacy provision to meet the skills needs of environmental goods and services companies engaged in meeting the challenge and opportunities of a low carbon economy.
Justin Olosunde, Business Development Manager for Environmental Goods and Services, Cornwall College Business, said: “This is a major opportunity to provide joined up thinking both from the private, public and voluntary sectors, as the world moves towards a low carbon economy and a greater use of renewable energy and services.”
Dave Linnell OBE, Principal of Cornwall College, said: “We pride ourselves in being able to offer such a wide range of courses and training provision. This new project will allow us to meet the needs of a growing sector and highlight our commitment to a sustainable future.”
For further information:
Sue Bradbury
Learning and Skills Council (LSC) South West PR
01872 863863/07941 490550
www.suebradburypr.com
Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
01872 241379 / 07973 813647
cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk
Josie Scobling, Press & PR Officer Cornwall College. Tel: 01752 850242/07780 222853
E mail: josie.scobling@cornwall.ac.uk
Editors’ notes:
· ESF Convergence investment in Strengthening the Environmental Sector = £499,999.40.
· Convergence helpline telephone: 0800 0280120. www.convergencecornwall.com
· In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly the Convergence programmes are made up of European Regional Development Fund (£347 million) and European Social Fund (£153 million) Convergence Programmes will run until 2013 and follow the successful Objective One Programme and prior to that Objective 5b.
· The ESF Operational Programme is targeted at tackling barriers to work, improving workforce skills and research and graduate activity. It will be delivered primarily through co financing via the Learning and Skills Council and Jobcentre Plus.
