Innovative green apprenticeship programme for September launch

28 Jul 2010 12:10pm

Green Collar Employment Solutions – a division of the NAC Group plc – is looking to launch a new green apprenticeship programme.

This will be based on the successful apprenticeship programme which provides multi-skilled technicians for the automotive sector – a programme developed and managed by the NAC Group in partnership with NMUK.

Initially, a 100 place programme will be made available. The development of Clipper Windpower’s wind turbine manufacturing facility and NMUK’s lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant, are expected to provide early employment opportunities for the apprentices.

A new curriculum is currently being developed, which draws on World Class Japanese experience.

The new green apprenticeship will last 18 months, and will provide an excellent opportunity for the young person to acquire the right mix of:

  • Core manufacturing skills – including hand skills and the application of productivity improvement tools and techniques
  • Practical and simulated production line experience
  • Knowledge of sustainable development and enterprise – captured in the NAC Group’s Green Collar Award

Places will be made available to local young people having relevant entry-level qualifications and demonstrating the required aptitude.

The launch of this ground-breaking green apprenticeship is an opportunity for the North East to position itself at the leading edge of the skills agenda, and to take a positive step to help move young people into high quality employment.

Paul Robson, Managing Director of the NAC Group, said “The decision to launch this new green apprenticeship demonstrates our confidence in the future growth of low carbon manufacturing. It is critical to produce people with the skills needed to grow the sector, and to attract further private investment in the development of lean, low carbon skills.”