UK: Hull College Backs Green Energy Awards

HULL College has pledged its support to an awards event recognising excellence in the region’s emerging green energy industry.

The organisation is sponsoring the education category of the Humber Renewables Awards.

Elaine McMahon, Hull College chief executive and principal, said the college was “delighted” to be involved with the event.

The Humber Renewables Awards celebrate the work of individuals, businesses and other organisations in making the region a capital for low-carbon energy.

 Dr McMahon said: “We’re delighted to be able to support the Humber Renewables Awards 2013, particularly within the category of renewables education.

 “The college is at the forefront of the drive to prepare the region’s students, workers and businesses for the green revolution.

 “If this area is to fully benefit from the opportunities green energy investments will bring, it is essential that we have a skilled workforce.”

The college has more than 150 courses related to renewables at a variety of levels, from NVQ Level 2 to honours degrees.

These courses equip students for more than 100 different careers within the renewables sector and associated supply chains, in areas including manufacturing, wind farm technician and technical director positions.

Dr McMahon said: “The college works closely with local companies to ensure the courses we provide are relevant and equip students with the skills they need to work effectively.

 “In addition to working with younger students and those seeking employment, we also offer the re-training of mature workers.

 “We encourage companies to come to us and tell us their requirements – we can then shape and develop our provision around those needs.”

Hull College’s Energy and Climate Centre – housed in a £6 million sustainable building – is the hub of the renewables curriculum, offering qualifications that promote on-going skills development, enabling students and businesses to benefit from the opportunities that green energy investments will bring.

Dr McMahon said: “Our own Energy and Climate Centre is an example of how green technologies can be used effectively.

 “It features high-specification cladding and glazing materials, energy-saving passive ventilation, heating and cooling by ground source heat pumps, and rainwater harvesting for recycling.”

The Hull College-sponsored education category is one of 10 accolades being presented at the awards.

This section is open to schools, academies, colleges or universities and is aimed at recognising excellence in educating students about renewable energy.

The awards are run by Footprint Renewables, an East Yorkshire-based public relations and marketing company that works with green businesses.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on March 1 at The Deep, Hull.

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Press release, February 13, 2013; Image: Mailnewsmedia