Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero visits Trafford based Green Skills Academy

A leading Government Minister has praised the Energy Innovation Agency and The Growth Company for leading the way in energy security and creating green skills and jobs, on a visit to Greater Manchester.

Yesterday (9 November) The Growth Company hosted   The Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP, Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, at its Green Skills Academy in Trafford.

Launched in January, the Academy houses green technologies and a comprehensive training offer for learners who want to kick-start their careers in emerging technologies and businesses looking to prepare their workforce for the transition to a carbon neutral economy – playing a critical role in the UK’s journey to net zero.  

Following a tour of the Academy, the Minister spent time discussing how the Energy Innovation Agency is transforming Greater Manchester’s energy systems and met with some of the innovative businesses the Agency is supporting to accelerate the energy transition and carbon reductions.

He also heard how The Growth Company, is paving the way in creating more sustainable futures for individuals and communities, through its range of services, creating green skills and jobs and supporting businesses.

Whilst here the Energy Innovation Agency and Green Skills Academy shared examples of best practice. David Schiele, Director of The Energy Innovation Agency said: “We need to increase the adoption and deployment of energy innovations to help us accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral economy.

“The Agency is working with innovators and businesses to connect innovative products to end-users. 

“We welcome the visit by The Rt Honourable Minister, Graham Stuart MP and are delighted to be able to share the innovative work we do to create a more carbon neutral economy for communities, businesses, organisations and industry across the Greater Manchester region.”

David added: “At the Growth Company we don’t just support the Net-Zero agenda through our network of innovators and businesses, but also focus on solving some of our greatest challenges, including the green skills gap, supported by our colleagues at the Green Skills Academy. Here, the Growth Company is able to develop the skills to install and maintain new green technologies that will not only place Manchester at the forefront of emerging technologies but also support the city-region to reach its ambitious 2038 carbon-neutral target.”  

Roosevelt Alexander, Director of Green Skills Academy, said: “We were very proud to support the visit of the Rt Honourable Minister, Graham Stuart MP to the Green Skills Academy on Thursday 9th November 2023. 

“We all recognise the impact we are having on the planet and on the region as a whole.  This meeting allowed us to focus on how we can play our part in becoming net zero and how our partners/employers can join us on this journey.

“The Green Skills Academy is leading the way in Greater Manchester by supporting a great number of employers who wish to upskill their current workforce and by encouraging the next generation of low carbon innovators who will be the workforce of the future. So, if you are interested in Heat pumps installation to Solar or Insulation to Retrofit, we are here to help you and the next generation get on board.”

During the visit the Minister toured the academy, met apprentices, innovators, and discussed the development of the Government’s Green Jobs Plan, where delegates in attendance reflected on policy recommendations arising from sectoral workforce assessments.

The Rt Hon Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart said:

“It’s been inspiring to visit the Green Skills Academy, hearing directly from apprentices, innovators, and educators. Tens of thousands of jobs will be created as we green the economy and the Academy is making sure people in Greater Manchester have the skills to access those well-paid roles in sectors ranging from building retrofit to EV charging.”