College lines up new centre
A pioneering £3.5 million training centre specialising in green technology ideas could be built at a Staffordshire agricultural college.
The project is being planned for Rodbaston College in Penkridge.
If the new centre reaches fruition it would offer courses to train people to meet the needs of the burgeoning alternative technology sector.
Stafford MP David Kidney said many firms in the area, including Schott UK in Stafford, which manufactures solar panels, needed more properly qualified staff to expand.
He said that the area was becoming a major centre for firms working in the area of sustainable development technology including renewable energy, recycling and waste management.
Mr Kidney is urging businesses and organisations interested in getting involved in SEE Change to get in touch with him. He said the project would also involve providing an exhibition area where people could visit to find out how they could use solar panels to power their homes and find out about other green technology including windmills and energy conservation.
Bids for funding are to be made to the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and the Learning and Skills Council.
A business plan is already being developed in support of the bids. Work could begin as early as next March with the centre ready by September 2009.