Blackpool college teams up with utilities sector for training

A new partnership has been launched between Blackpool and The Fylde Colleges Lancashire Energy HQ and national energy management company British Independent Utilities.
Pictured left toright are BIU Operations Director Julian Carter, BIU Chief Executive Michael Abbot, Head of Lancashire Energy HQ Mandy Pritchard and Young Chamber Manager, Fiona Langan. — A new partnership has been launched between Blackpool and The Fylde Colleges Lancashire Energy HQ and national energy management company British Independent Utilities. Pictured left toright are BIU Operations Director Julian Carter, BIU Chief Executive Michael Abbot, Head of Lancashire Energy HQ Mandy Pritchard and Young Chamber Manager, Fiona Langan.

B&FC’s strategic partnership with St Annes-based British Independent Utilities 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.

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: “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.”