Abingdon and Witney College has secured funding aimed at promoting green skills.

The funding will enable the college to offer a variety of free courses to those who live or work in the region, enhancing employability and contributing to a more sustainable future.

It has been supplied by West Oxfordshire District Council alongside South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and Cherwell districts.

It forms a part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, an initiative aimed at supporting the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 while simultaneously addressing employment needs.

The initiative’s core vision is to empower West Oxfordshire residents with the skills needed to thrive in green technology.

The emphasis on green skills development comes at a time when the UK is navigating its way towards a low-carbon economy.

As a result, there is an increased demand for professionals who are proficient in renewable energy and sustainable construction.

Abingdon and Witney College will offer courses such as a Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Heat Pumps and a Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit in an attempt to address this need.

These courses are designed to provide students with the understanding and practical abilities needed to pursue a career in green technology, a sector that is becoming increasingly central to the UK’s economic and environmental future.

Those who take the courses will have better employment opportunities as a result of their new skills, while the whole community will benefit from a stronger, more sustainable economy.

Jacqui Canton, principal and chief executive of Abingdon and Witney College, said: "We are thrilled to launch this initiative, offering free courses that will empower individuals with essential skills in the green technology sector."

Gayle Pilkington, retrofit project manager at Oxfordshire County Council, also praised the programme.

He said: "I found out about the retrofit training through my work, and completing the Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit has given me a much better grasp of the technical aspects of the project I'm managing.

"It’s helped me understand what can go wrong and what good looks like."

The college said the initiative is a "powerful example of how targeted education and skills development can drive positive change, ensuring a brighter future for all".

It said by focusing on green technology, the college would not only be "enhancing the employability of its learners" but also "contributing to the resilience and sustainability of the local economy".

For more information about these courses, visit the Abingdon and Witney College website.