Smart Energy Training has opened an energy training centre in Stourbridge.
The company held an open day at the new centre on Tuesday 4 August at Unit 4 on Stambermill Industrial Estate on Timmis Road.
The event was attended by Cat Eccles, MP for Stourbridge, and councillor Mohammed Hanif of Dudley Borough Council, as well as scores of manufacturers, employers and prospective learners.
Stourbridge’s MP said: “Smart Energy Training’s investment in this centre is a vote of confidence in Stourbridge and a boost for young people in the area.
“Locally we have a high rate of people not in employment, education or training (NEET) so I am keen to see any measures to improve the situation, particularly in the green energy space.
“It was fantastic to see the new high-tech equipment at the centre, which supports the government’s drive to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and help lower energy bills.”
Former world darts champion and current Sky Sports pundit Mark Webster was present during the open day to take on visitors in a fun challenge. Those who scored more than Mark won a prize, while the person with the highest score went home with a new drill.
Paul Drew, director for Smart Energy Training, said the day had been a success, with dozens of people enquiring about training opportunities.
Paul added: “We had a fantastic day showing people around our new facility, which exists to help build the next generation of gas, plumbing, electrical and low-carbon engineers.
“We have both apprenticeships and short courses on offer to support employers with their recruitment needs, as well as helping young people access meaningful skilled careers.
“There is a significant skills shortage in this sector especially around the West Midlands and local area which needs to be tackled head on to ensure the country has the engineers is needs to keep homes and businesses warm, while successfully transitioning to low-carbon energy.”