Delivering green growth through sustainable technologies is the aim of a government-funded project in which DCG is playing a key role

Designed to bridge the gaps in net zero skills and improve climate literacy in the D2N2 area, the initiative will help local employers adapt to emerging green technologies in fields such as energy efficiency and low carbon transition.

As part of the scheme, supported by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), DCG will be leading the development of a Green Productivity Hub which encourages businesses to try out those technologies while helping their staff to build the specific ‘green’ skills that will foster greater productivity and efficiency.

This will include introducing new courses at Levels 3 and 4, targeted at specific sectors, that are not currently supported through existing funding streams.

DCG’s Green Productivity Hub will serve Derby, Erewash, Amber Valley, the southern Derbyshire Dales and parts of South Derbyshire. Its focus will be on the energy supply, manufacturing and construction sectors and its curriculum will span everything from energy efficiency to sustainable product design, smart building technologies to hydrogen economy development.

The project is underpinned by research into how green innovations are impacting those economic clusters in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire which are particularly important to the counties’ future prosperity. It is also informed by engagement with employers who have identified the technical skills demanded across their own sectors.

It is hoped that the outcome will be a truly impactful offer with tailored green skill provision for key sectors at a granular level.

DCG is working with other education partners to drive this project forward, as well as local employers who will co-design and co-deliver the green skills programmes. Overall, the initiative is spearhearded by Nottingham College and the Green Productivity Hub for Derby will also benefit from input from Burton and South Derbyshire College, Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service and Futures Advice, Skills and Employment. Find out more about DCG’s work to promote environmental sustainability.