.jpg)
Connaught puts energy behind renewable training
June 9th 2008
Connaught's Academy in Wales is celebrating receiving approval from the NIC for its ‘Solar Thermal’ qualification, which enables technicians to install heating systems powered by the sun.
The Carephilly Academy developed the five-day course, in order to meet a need for skilled people to work in the growing ‘green energy’ sector. NIC is a subsidiary of the NICEIC Group Ltd, which certificates to all competency standards within the Water and Gas, Oil and Electrical industries.
Connaught, which also maintains social housing throughout the UK, is already reporting significant interest in the qualification and 25 engineers from across the UK have enrolled on the course, with expected numbers set to increase to 300 per year. Comprising of practical and theory learning, the course aims to ensure that all engineers have the competency and capability to carry out installation and servicing work on a range of solar equipment.
Rob Arthur, course leader at Connaught Academy said: “We recognise the potential growth of the renewable energy sector and want to ensure that our own workforce and other organisations have the required skills and expertise to meet the demands of the market.”
Connaught is committed to helping local authorities and registered social housing landlords meet the Wales Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) by 2012. Significant advances have been made in the manufacturing of heating systems and the accreditation of this qualification can help organisations realise the economical, environmental and social benefits.
Huw Evans, regional training manager at the Connaught Academy, Wales: “We will train a thousand people this year in a variety of trades. We expect that with the growth and increased knowledge in sustainability, the number of people training in solar technology will increase.”
The solar thermal qualification is just one of the ‘green’ offerings at the training centre. The organisation has linked with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and Aqualogic to pilot a new module within its plumbing course to arm Welsh plumbers with key skills to tackle the environment challenge and conserve water in the home and workplace