A new partnership has been launched between Blackpool and The Fylde College’s Lancashire Energy HQ and a national energy management company.
B&FC’s strategic partnership with British Independent Utilities (BIU) was set up by the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Young Chamber programme, which works to increase employment opportunities for young people in the region.
Mandy Pritchard, Head of Lancashire Energy HQ, said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting partnership which allows us to explore a range of career opportunities in another area of the energy industry.
“BIU is one of the leaders in its field and is looking to continue growing so we want to be able to offer businesses in this sector employees who have a solid background and understanding of the role before joining the workforce.
“B&FC’s Lancashire Energy HQ currently offers a range of engineering-based qualifications related to the industry, but this partnership will be the first step towards delivering programmes relating to energy management and analysis.
“Some of the skills needed by this sector centre around data analysis and research abilities which are among our areas of expertise at B&FC so we can offer valuable knowledge and experience to allow our industry partners to develop their workforce.”
As part of the arrangement, the Chamber will provide mentoring and employability development, while B&FC and BIU will explore opportunities for sector-specific courses.
One of the highlights of the partnership will be B&FC and BIU working together to develop a new programme related to energy monitoring and analysis.
Michael Abbott, Chief Executive Officer at BIU, said: “We are pleased to be a part of this great initiative. It is an exciting opportunity for both sides to develop energy industry talent for the future.
“With the technology and teaching Lancashire Energy HQ offers its students and the 20 years of knowledge and experience BIU can offer, we are positive that this project will develop our energy experts of the future.”
The ethos at B&FC is to focus on aspects of education and training which drive the economy, deliver a skilled workforce for industry and secure employment for students. The partnership will meet all those requirements and give B&FC and BIU the opportunity to work with the Chamber to improve education and training within the sector.
Fiona Langan, Young Chamber Manager at the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am delighted that Blackpool and Fylde College’s Lancashire Energy HQ and BIU have joined the Young Chamber programme.
“This partnership will provide the energy students at the College with a fantastic opportunity to benefit from the wide range of industry expertise available within BIU, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their future career direction and be more prepared for working in the industry.”
