Law firm Geldards has advised two major Further Education institutions on successful renewable energy funding bids, helping to create a skilled workforce for the future of the renewables sector.
The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator is a £50 million fund created to accelerate and de-risk the early-stage development of UK supply chain projects that service the offshore wind sector.
NPTC Group of Colleges and Pembrokeshire College were both successful in securing funding from the initial round of the Accelerator, aimed at UK projects that could support the development of a new UK supply chain for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
The only two UK colleges to be successful in securing this competitive first round funding, the investment will be used to provide courses offering training in servicing off shore windfarms and the skills required to work the supply chain, to enhance capability and boost the local economy.
NPTC Group of Colleges, based in South and Mid Wales is one of the leading educational institutions to deliver sustainable courses and programmes promoting renewable energy. The Accelerator will fund a feasibility study which it is hoped will lead to capital funding of a training facility on their Port Talbot campus, providing college courses for students to learn skills essential to the renewables industry.
Pembrokeshire College in Haverfordwest is the county’s largest provider of post-16 education and training and has equally impressive green credentials offering a range of courses to prepare students for careers in renewable technologies. The Accelerator funding will support a Scoping Study reviewing the skills and training the region will require in the future. If additional facilities are identified as being required the funding will also support the design phases of these new training facilities which would offer new and additional courses to create a highly skilled workforce and ensure a sustainable future for the sector.
Jenny Chatten, Partner in Geldards Corporate team advised NPTC Group of Colleges and Pembrokeshire College on the terms of the funding agreements.
Jenny Chatten said:
“Geldards is pleased to support both of these major FE colleges following their successful funding bids in The Crown Estate Supply Chain Accelerator fund. The future of the renewables sector is dependent on creating a highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of the rapidly growing offshore wind industry. The output of this funding will ensure not only a sustainable future, but vital job creation in the local economy and Geldards is proud to be part of the renewable revolution.”
Dr Barry Walters, CEO and Principal of Pembrokeshire College, added:
“Pembrokeshire College is delighted to have been successful in its Crown Estate Supply Chain Accelerator Fund for a Scoping Study which will potentially lead to the development of an Energy Transition Skills Facility in the economic zone of the county. We are immensely grateful for the support from Geldards which has enabled the agreement of a contract with the Crown Estate, therefore allowing us to progress with our plans.”
Mark Dacey, CEO of NPTC Group of Colleges, said:
“This funding is crucial and represents a vital step forward in positioning Wales at the forefront of renewable energy innovation. Our goal is to ensure that local communities and industries are fully prepared to harness the opportunities presented by the floating offshore wind revolution and this funding will allow NPTC Group of Colleges to embark on a comprehensive feasibility study so we can assess training requirements and industry needs.”
