Green skills training project benefits businesses

A Green Skills upskilling project offering free and subsidised courses designed to support the move to net zero in the region has been hailed a great success.

Launched in the summer of 2024, the project has been a collaborative effort to provide green skills training to help people prepare for the future.

It was a joint initiative between Portsmouth City Council and Havant Borough Council, City of Portsmouth College and SERT Training.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting the immediate application of their training to their work practices and the expansion of services they can offer to customers.

Training took place here at City of Portsmouth College and SERT Training, both of which offer modern, industry-specific resources.

Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for economic development said:"It is fantastic to see the impact of collaboration in action across our region via our Green Skills upskilling project. As we focus on a more sustainable future, investing in our workforce is essential, and these new green skills are enabling businesses and residents alike to adapt and thrive in our economy moving forward."

Phil Munday, Leader of Havant Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to have secured a grant from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has enabled us to help and train many working in the construction trade.

“By developing the skills and knowledge of those who live or work locally it will benefit us in making commercial buildings and homes in the borough more energy-efficient in the future.

“As a council, we are committed to tackling the climate emergency head-on. So, it is great that Havant Borough Council and Portsmouth City Council have been able to work in partnership with SERT Group, and City of Portsmouth College who have provided the training to equip residents and businesses with green skills that will, in time help to decarbonise the borough.

“Industries are rapidly moving towards green skills so being prepared for this shift by upskilling the next generation of workers will benefit everyone.”

“Using UK Shared Prosperity Funding, this initiative focused on increasing skills and awareness of sustainable and net zero practices.”

Katy Quinn, our Principal and CEO said: "Sustainability is always high on our agenda, so we were delighted at the opportunity to access the prosperity funding. It meant we were able to offer plumbing and heating engineers from micro, small, and medium-sized businesses three one-day courses completely free of charge.

“It was fantastic to collaborate closely with Portsmouth City Council, Havant Borough Council, and SERT to deliver this training, enhancing critical skills and making a difference for the people who live and work in our region."