Residents offered free places on green skills courses

People in north Oxfordshire are encouraged to go green and expand their knowledge about eco-friendly construction through free courses funded by Cherwell District Council.

Published: Thursday, 15th August 2024

green construction

At least 80 places are available to residents across the Cherwell district on building-focused flexible courses. The courses include introductory topics for those looking to begin a career in construction and specialist modules for those already working in the industry looking to expand their knowledge and expertise with the latest environmentally-friendly practices.

Abingdon and Witney College will use the funding from the council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation to provide fully subsidised qualifications in domestic retrofit and renewable technologies. This will allow residents and businesses to learn vital skills following the growth in demand for more energy-efficient homes and other properties.

Councillor Lesley McLean, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, said: “We want to support people in developing the vital and highly sought-after skills needed to help residents and businesses improve the energy performance and infrastructure of their homes and buildings.

“We are always looking at ways we can support the future of business across our district and are thrilled to have partnered with Abingdon and Witney College to provide residents with the opportunity to acquire innovative construction knowledge and skills by providing free, high-quality sustainability courses.”

The courses are open to residents and businesses interested in learning more about domestic retrofit, heat pumps, solar thermal systems and photovoltaic systems.

Further information about these courses and how to register for a place can be found at the upcoming launch event that will be held on Monday, 19 August at the Net Zero Skills Hub, Abingdon & Witney College, Wootton Road, Abingdon, OX14 1GG from 9.30am to 11am.