Wind skills college to be located in Humberside

Wind and marine energy trade association RenewableUK and the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership have welcomed the announcement by the Business Secretary Vince Cable to develop a National College for Wind Energy. It will be the first National College dedicated to renewable energy in the UK.

The National College, to be based in the Humber area, will provide a hub for skills, training and education initiatives. In addition, there will be a network of partners providing education and training across the UK. The primary focus of the Humber hub will be offshore wind, where a large growth in skills is needed. The National College will also provide capability to support onshore wind and marine renewables.

The launch of the college is the result of a proposal to government led by the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership and RenewableUK; the project is key to capitalising on the enormous potential that offshore wind plays in the Humber region and elsewhere in the UK. 

It is envisaged that the college will open its doors in late 2016, and will award new and mature students with professional qualifications and short courses (post A-level equivalent) in addition to bespoke programmes as directed and sponsored by employers.