Adults in Ashford to benefit from free upskilling

The Green Skills Revolution is set to take a step closer to fruition after Ashford Borough Council commissioned East Kent Colleges Group to deliver specialist training in these skills as part of its UK Shared Prosperity Funding.

The project will see the further education group deliver a range of ‘green skills’ training courses through its specialist Wooten Road centre. It will include courses in retrofitting properties with new green-tech, as well as two Level 3 qualifications in both Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps.

Green skills in construction are in high demand, with the Local Skills Improvement Plan highlighting the Local Skills Improvement Plan highlighting the need for more of these skills in the locality.

The courses have been specially designed to develop the emerging green technology workforce with the skills they need to help the borough in its transition to a net-zero future.

East Kent Colleges Group Deputy CEO, Lucy McLeod, said: “It’s brilliant to be working to deliver such exciting provision for the Ashford borough.

“The green revolution is upon us, but we need to ensure that there are plenty of skilled practitioners able to deliver against the ambitious targets that have been developed. These courses will help to ensure that Ashford is primed to deliver against these.”

Alongside these exciting new courses, East Kent Colleges Group will also be delivering a range of courses to support Ashford residents in their career development, as well as courses for those who are looking to further develop their life skills. From a digital course all the way through to a one-day coaching course, there’s a huge amount on offer.

Lucy continued: “Helping adults upskill is core to our Group’s mission of playing a leading role in developing the social and economic prosperity of the communities we serve, so it is fantastic to be able to offer these exciting, fully funded courses, for those who are eligible and seeking to develop new skills or grow their existing skills.”

Cllr Simon Betty, Cabinet Member for Commercial Property & Investment at Ashford Borough Council, said: “The UK Shared Prosperity Funding offers a fantastic opportunity for local residents to upskill by taking advantage of the courses being offered by East Kent College. The Green Skill courses in particular will help the borough towards achieving its net zero ambitions as outlined in the new Borough Plan.”

All the courses have been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and are free to those who are eligible. To find out more information please visit ekcgroup.ac.uk and search for ‘UKSPF Ashford’.