Energy Centre given 'green' light

SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE has cleared another hurdle on the path to creating over 400 jobs in Torbay after securing a further £2m investment to fund the next phase of development of their new Energy Centre – a top quality renewable energy training facility.

The additional funding, confirmed by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) this week, will see the brand new Energy Centre built at the gateway to White Rock on the main Long Road roundabout in Paignton, adjacent to the new Premier Inn. The aim is for construction to be underway in June 2012, with the centre expected to become operational mid 2013.

The College’s existing renewable energy course provision - including Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Installation plus a Renewable Technologies Awareness course - will be transferred over to the new Energy Centre alongside new courses incorporating biomass technologies, micro-generation and solid wall insulation and control systems.

The main focal point of the Energy Centre will be the construction of a modern, green, completely sustainable, ‘eco-house of the future’ which will showcase all the most up-to-date renewable technologies on offer in a realistic, working environment.

“The centre will provide a base for our specialist team to respond to the fast changing sustainable energy market and offer excellent training and employment opportunities for young people and local businesses in an outstanding up-to-date learning environment,” said Laurence Frewin, Vice Principal Corporate Services at South Devon College, “This additional funding will allow the development of the next exciting phase of our Energy Centre to be truly exemplar. This demonstrates our commitment to raising awareness of green technologies whilst also boosting the Torbay economy with over 400 new job opportunities. The Energy Centre will go a long way to ensuring both our staff and students have the skills to be at the forefront of the sustainable energy revolution allowing South Devon to take full advantage of the Government’s recently confirmed Green Deal initiative.

Announced last April, the College has already secured £1.2m from Round 1 of the Regional Growth Fund with the bid for its Energy Centre project having been developed with a range of private sector partners (Schneider Electric, Worcester Bosch, Nu-Heat, HavMain, SEMA construction design, Romag, British Ceramic Tile, Kingspan Hot Water Systems, Kensa Heat Pumps, Transition Town Totnes, Western Electrical and Sun Farming) and was one of only four in the South West to win government Regional Growth Fund backing. This further funding enables another landmark development to proceed for South Devon College to the same high quality as its outstanding University Centre and the College is confirming its design team appointments to deliver this latest project for the region.

The College works with over 250 plumbing and electrical companies through the apprenticeship programme - recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2009 – the opportunity for up-skilling and retraining staff in these small businesses will be a priority for the Energy Centre project. Other businesses and individuals will also be able to benefit from the latest green technologies and energy saving thinking on display.

For further details on the energy courses at the new Energy Centre at South Devon College contact Sarah Hawke on 01803 540457, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.theenergycentre.net.