Kirkless College has partnered with Waxman Energy Group to introduce a UK-first renewables course that aims to train the installers of the future.
The course is funded by Kirkless Council and is aimed at boosting general awareness of renewable energies among the younger generation. Waxman Energy has donated a number of full PV kits from leading brands, including Phono Solar, SMA and Schletter, in a bid to provide hands on, practical installation experience to students attending the course.
This November, sixty pupils spent three days at the Waxman Training Academy learning about the renewables market with a specially written ‘introduction to renewables’ course. The course, taught by specialist trainer Roy Oxley, covered everything from solar PV and biomass to air and ground source heat pumps.
Richard Waxman, Chairman of Waxman Energy, commented: “Learning the skills that are required to install new technologies is essential to the future growth of the renewables market. As new, more appealing incentives for businesses and homeowners become available, so will demand to fit the equipment. It means the market will need more qualified renewable installers.”
Javan Webb, Construction Tutor at Kirkless college, concluded: “The partnership with Waxman Energy is offering our students an opportunity to diversify and expand their skills. It’s more important than ever for people already working in the construction industry and people training to work in the industry to embrace the new technology. We are delighted that we can offer our students this opportunity and are grateful to the Waxman Group for the support they have given us.”
