A unique programme to train 600 residents across the Midlands in Climate Change and installing green technology has been launched.
The Fit for the Future project, backed by Advantage West Midlands, aims to help the region develop a role as a hub of green technology.
It is being delivered by the Accord Group in partnership with two other housing associations Friendship and Black Country. The project is also being backed by the Energy Savings Trust.
Over the next 8 months up to 600 residents from across the Midlands will be provided with a free 3-hour training course on Climate Change and cutting carbon and fuel bills.
Up to 100 will be offered a further accredited 1-day course focusing on the basic techniques of installing green technology like solar panels.
Fit for the Future aims to recruit up to 20 of the trainees as Community Climate Change Champions to carry the message out into the neighbourhoods where they live.
Major contractor Mears offering around a dozen work placements to residents and training 20 of its own ‘green technicians’ at the Innovation Works@Rubery Owen, a renovated historic industrial building in Darlaston.
Project co-coordinator Mark England, from lead partner Accord, said: “Fit for the Future works on many different levels, from increasing understanding of Climate Change to giving people practical advice on cutting their energy bills.
“It also provides people with new skills and potential career options, from being Climate Change champions to work placements, as well as a programme to train green technicians right here in the Midlands.”
Mark Pearce, Corporate Director for Economic Regeneration at Advantage West Midlands said: “Advantage West Midlands is committed to helping the region’s businesses and residents seize the economic opportunities from the transition a low carbon economy but we recognise that we will need to learn important lessons along the way. That’s why we have provided £200,000 to support the exciting Fit for the Future pilot project to look at new ways to develop skills and knowledge in the people, businesses and new technologies that will drive the region’s economic transition and play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions. With more than 600 residents receiving this specialist training I am confident that this pilot will shape how we develop these crucial skills for the future.”
More than a dozen community and training events will be held across the Midlands between now and September 2010.