Trade Skills 4U, (TS4U) whose bursaries are aimed at ex-service personnel who have slipped through the resettlement net, is offering £100,000 worth of training for those seeking a new career path in the electrical and renewable energy industries.
The centre is urging armed forces personnel invalidated out of the services or who have left due to illness and injury, to come forward and take up the training scheme.
“I’m surprised so few ex-forces personnel have applied to take advantage of this great opportunity for free training, especially as there is huge demand in both electrical and renewable energy industries,” said Carl Bennett, managing director of TS4U.
Trade Skills 4U was founded in 2004 after the managing director, Carl Bennett, suffered a brain tumour and was unable to continue his career in the SO19 Met Police Specialist firearms unit. Given his personal experience with adversity, Bennett wants to help ex forces personnel in a similar position who are struggling to find their feet.
“We are not a huge company and can’t offer free training to everyone that is eligible so we have to select and prioritise those able to take the free training, based on need,’ says Carl Bennett. “Anyone who thinks they qualify can apply for an interview and we will try our best to help.
In the wake of its success as a national electrical training centre, TS4U is officially launching its renewable energy training centre on 17 June 2011.
The launch will also act as an open day for those who wish to visit the centre as it truly showcases Trade Skills 4U’s dedication to training. The centre provides candidates with purpose built facilities to train domestic installers and electricians in real and relevant scenarios to prepare for the renewable revolution.
Simon Weston OBE, a name well-known for his time in the Falklands will be awarding the first bursary place at the open day on the 17 June. Weston’s fight to overcome horrific burn injuries and redefine his role in life after the Falklands War is an example of the incredible bravery shown by Britain’s heroes.
The day will also be an eye opener for those who are mystified by the renewable energy industry with seminars from partners Easy MCS, Stroma and Eco Tube. These highly regarded companies within the industry will explain accreditation, Feed in Tariffs and installation. Following the theme, the 100% electric car, the Nissan leaf, will be making an appearance as the company will be attempting to charge the car via a solar array. Trade Skills 4U will conduct its own seminars, which will include live demonstrations of installation from their qualified team of instructors.
“The renewable energy market is growing so quickly that there is a real need for qualified installers,” Carl Bennett stressed. “That’s why Trade Skills 4U is working hard to create the best facilities for candidates to train on.”
Only 1,500 renewable energy installers are currently registered in the UK but research by the Department of Climate Change predicts there will be 7 million PV installations by 2020, requiring up to 50,000 accredited installers.
The facility opened for training courses earlier this year, providing fully qualified instructors with hands-on practical workshops and theory lessons. Delegates taking the courses can obtain registration and accreditation from bodies such as City & Guilds, NICEIC and BPEC. The solar PV courses are a key step into becoming MCS accredited.
To register for the event on 17 June, call 01293 529777 or visit www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/events