A project to support business growth in the environmental goods and services sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has been approved for almost £500k worth of Convergence investment.
The Convergence investment for ‘Strengthening the Environmental Sector’ is being delivered via the Learning and Skills Council, which has awarded the contract to Cornwall College. The College will use partners – Rezolve, Kernow, Cornwall Development Company, Global Action Plan and Environment Kernow – to deliver the project which will include conferences, seminars and bespoke training addressing key skills gaps in the sector.
The project will target those involved in businesses and organisations including those involved in life sciences, marine and coastal, food and renewable energies. It will also support businesses that are diversifying into the sector and aims to strengthen the newly formed Environmental Skills Network.
Mark Williams, ESF Director for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) South West said: “We are focusing on some of the core aspects of training within those business areas that are central to the longer term economic potential of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
“The environmental sector in Cornwall is growing and it is very important to support that growth with the specific skills the industry needs.”
Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership, added: “In theses uncertain economic times training plays a key role in helping prepare for the economic upturn, whenever it happens. The environment sector will play an important role in helping ensure that all our economic activity is environmentally smarter.”
Cornwall College Business will develop the structure and capacity for legacy provision to meet the skills needs of environmental goods and services companies engaged in meeting the challenge and opportunities of a low carbon economy.
