Carbon Zero NI: Skills development for the Sustainable Sector

Belfast hosts major green skills conference

Carbon Zero Sustainable Skills Conference

Northern Ireland must act now to develop ‘green’ skills and resources or risk losing out on thousands of potential jobs, a major conference was told at the Waterfront Hall today (Tuesday 29th March).

The one-day Skills Development for the Sustainable Sector event drew more than 150 specialists from industry and government to examine urgent skills gaps and outline strategic actions needed to achieve sustainable growth and generate new employment opportunities.

Organised by the Carbon Zero NI programme and funded by the Department for Employment and Learning, speakers at the conference included renewable energy specialist Clifford McSpadden from the Global Wind and Maritime Alliances; the Northern Advisor on Employment and Skills, Dr Bill McGinnis, and Dr Esmond Birnie, Chief Economist at PwC.

Guest speakers from Robert Morris University Pittsburgh USA also shared international insights on delivering traditional, blended and online education. 

Deputy Secretary from the Department for Employment and Learning, Catherine Bell, said: ‘It is vital that we equip our workforce with the skills necessary to compete in the evolving green economy. The Department for Employment and Learning has been working closely with the six local Colleges, who have enhanced significantly the support they offer to business and industry through this project.

‘Carbon Zero NI is providing local industry with a range of Research and Development services, support, technology development, and specialist training and advice in all areas of Sustainable Development. Northern Ireland has the potential to be a market leader in the predicted growth of the sustainable energy sector, both in technology and in the provision of the skills needed to sustain it. The ‘green’ economy is clearly recognised as a growth area by my Department.’

Sustainable Skills Conference

Dr Lorna Lawrence, Research Lecturer at Carbon Zero NI, said the conference comes at a time of renewed focus on employment and economic growth.

“It is widely recognised that Northern Ireland can gain an economic advantage and secure a leading position in the fast-growing green economy by capitalising on its enviable natural resources and smart renewable technologies.

“But if this potential is to be fully realised and exploited, urgent action must be taken to develop essential training and develop new skills that will help local talent secure existing and emerging green roles.

“This conference is about bringing top decision makers and CleanTech employers together to map current and future skills gaps and develop a strategic pathway for industry, training providers and educators.

“The transition to a green economy presents significant opportunities, but industry must be properly equipped if Northern Ireland is to achieve sustainable growth and meet its climate change targets.”

Launched in 2010, the Carbon Zero NI programme is designed to build capacity to develop sustainable technologies, products, processes and services through the delivery of high quality R&D, knowledge creation and workforce preparation.

Malachy McAleer, Director at South West College said:

“Northern Ireland is already taking an active role in the development of green technologies and exploring the best use of our natural resources. It is vital that we can continue to enhance our position in the sustainable sector by providing the emerging generation of green collar workers with access to the very best courses, training and skills.

“This conference is designed to help people and industry better connect with new opportunities and to bridge the gap between traditional skills and those required by  the ‘clean and green’ sector. Its outcomes will help shape a qualified workforce that is equipped with the very best know-how.”

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