EIGHT new courses linked to sustainable energy have been launched at Forth Valley College.

The programmes, held at the Renewable and Energy Efficiency Training Centre in Falkirk, offer training in skills such as installing and maintaining energy saving systems.

Amongst the new courses are Electrical Vehicle Charging, Solar Thermal Hot Water and Awareness of Environmental Technologies.

Alistair McKean, FVC’s training and business development manager, said: “Forth Valley College believe that these eight new courses are essential to upskill tradesmen and women and give them the vital knowledge they will need to install, maintain and operate sustainable energy systems.

“Our renewables training facilities at our Falkirk Campus are unique and custom built to include a realistic working environment and will give those completing the course a comprehensive understanding of the new technology used to generate energy in today’s society.”

These courses form part of the investment FVC have placed into renewable energy studies, following the college tapping into a £500,000 fund created by the Scottish Power Energy Networks.

Forth Valley have established themselves as one of only nine colleges committed to establishing renewable energy centres to help reduce carbon footprints around Scotland.

“There is a growing demand for heat pump installers,” Alistair added. “New research from consulting giant Ernst & Young has found that there are only around 1,200 qualified heat pump installers in the UK, while almost 10,000 will be required by 2025.

“According to Solar Energy UK, installations of solar panels are on the increase as well, so there is a big need for skilled tradesmen and women in this sector.”

Visit www.forthvalley.ac.uk for more information and find out how to apply.