FREE places at green skills courses available for South and Vale residents
More than 80 fully funded places are available on eco-friendly home improvement courses for people based in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have partnered with Abingdon & Witney College, OxLEP (Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership) and education charity SOFEA to upskill local residents and businesses.
The councils have funded 82 places for ‘green’ building and construction courses from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. These courses at Abingdon and Witney College, include Installation and Maintenance of Heat Pumps, Understanding Domestic Retrofit and general awareness courses.
You can find out more about these courses and how to sign up for them at a drop-in event on Monday 19 August at the Net Zero Skills Hub, Abingdon & Witney College, Wootton Road, Abingdon, OX14 1GG from 9.30am to 11am.
The councils have also contributed funding to OxLEP and SOFEA’s ‘No Limits’ programme, designed to offer support for residents into green skills training and employment. The programme includes assistance for those who need help to get a job, including free laptops and mobile phones to develop digital skills as well as travel grants for those needing financial help to get to work, school or college. A full-time member of staff will be on hand to help with any queries and offer advice*.
Councillor Robin Bennett, South Oxfordshire District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, and Deputy Leader, said: “Many of us would like to adapt our homes to use less energy, or would like to generate our own using renewables, to reduce both our climate change impact and our household bills. Many homes will need new types of heating systems, such as heat pumps. Having people with the right skills is vital to make this a reality, and I’m happy that the council is working with some great local organisations to provide a variety of opportunities to learn.”
Councillor Bethia Thomas, Vale of White Horse District Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, said: “These green courses are designed to help residents and businesses to gain essential skills and knowledge to excel in the Green Skills sector, playing a crucial role in creating a sustainable future.”
Jacqui Canton, Principal and Chief Executive at Abingdon & Witney College said “We are thrilled to launch this initiative, offering free courses that will empower individuals with essential skills in green technology. At the heart of our education is the vision ‘Be You Be Extraordinary,’ where everyone achieves more than they believe is possible. This initiative underscores our commitment to enhancing employability and supporting a sustainable future for our community.”
Sally Andreou – Skills Hub Manager at OxLEP – said: “Ensuring our businesses are able to benefit from a top-class and well-trained workforce is a key priority for OxLEP – therefore, the fully-funded provision to be delivered by Abingdon and Witney College means our construction sector will continue to be in a superior position, meeting the demands of a greener future and even support the county to capitalise on the opportunities the green economy will present.
“We would encourage residents across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.”
Taraji Ogunnubi, ‘No Limits’ Programme Manager at SOFEA said: “Our partnership to offer fully funded green skills courses is a vital step towards building a resilient, eco-friendly future. At SOFEA, we are committed to empowering our community through education, sustainable practices, and direct support.
“In addition to education, SOFEA operates food larders across Oxfordshire, which serve as key community hubs. These larders not only help in addressing food insecurity but also facilitate regular engagement with residents, providing them with opportunities to learn about and participate in green initiatives.
“By equipping local residents and businesses with the skills necessary for eco-friendly developments and engaging them through our larders, we are enhancing employability and driving significant environmental change. We encourage everyone to seize this opportunity to become pioneers in the green economy, transforming their homes and workplaces and community into models of sustainability.”
For more information and to sign up for the launch event on Monday 19 August, visit Free courses in Green Skills and Care – Abingdon & Witney College (abingdon-witney.ac.uk) .
Notes to editors
SOFEA (formerly ‘South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance’) has evolved to focus intensively on educational, employability, and wellbeing programmes. Visit its website to learn more about the people it supports www.sofea.uk.com.
*For all enquiries about the support for the ‘No Limits’ programme please email taraji@sofea.uk.com
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is funded by the UK government for local investment with all areas of the UK receiving an allocation. It will help places across the country deliver enhanced outcomes. More info on UKSPF here.
