The UK’s first green skills centre is to built in south Wales, providing a boost for government’s plans of creating thousands of green jobs.
The centre will be mostly funded by European contingency fund and will “become a UK-wide resource for industry and job creation,” according to Welsh first minister Rhodri Morgan.
Around 1,300 people a year will be schooled in things like solar panel installation at the centre, with British Gas responsible for the training.
The centre is to be built in Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, and will open later this year
British Gas will train its new and existing staff at the centre as well as other people unconnected with the company. There is no guaranteed job role for the latter to go into on completion of a course though.
The centre will form a key part in the Assembly Government’s plan to turn the Heads of Valleys region of Wales into one of Europe’s largest low carbon zones. This will include 40,000 homes being kitted out with microgeneration and renewable technology.
“The Heads of the Valleys was the crucible of the world’s first energy revolution, which was based on fossil fuels and the assembly government is now working to ensure this area is at the forefront of the future energy revolution promoting renewable sustainable green energy and low carbon housing,” said Morgan.
Centrica, British Gas’ parent company, is expected to announce profits of close to £1bn when it reveals its financial results tomorrow.
