Oldham College has launched a Green Technology Centre offering courses in environmental technologies.
The college has been appointed as the North Manchester hub for the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies.

The centre has been developed in conjunction with leading green technology companies and students will be taught the latest skills in the design, installation and maintenance of cutting edge green technology.

Courses offered by the centre include Renewable Energy Awareness, Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Ground and Air Source Heat Pump Systems, Solar Domestic Hot Water and Rainwater and Greywater Harvesting and Recycling.

Students likely to attend these short courses include experienced building service engineers and construction workers looking to enhance their knowledge of renewable energy technologies and develop their skills in this developing area of construction. The Renewable Energy Awareness Course is also suitable for everyone from policy makers, town planners, sales staff and building control officers.

John Eley, green technology project manager at the Oldham College, said: 'This new centre is a very exciting opportunity for the college in an innovative area of the economy. Young people and businesses across Oldham and Greater Manchester will benefit from the centre and can take advantage of employment and Higher Education courses in a growing area of the UK economy with a value of £150billion by 2015.'

The design and installation of the centre has been completed by local company, Groundtherm and the building includes technologies such as ground and air source heat pumps and underfloor heating.

Industry partners including Baxi, Benchmark, Armacell and Wilo Pumps are also working with the centre to ensure it is at the forefront of the green technology industry. The Oldham College is also working in partnership with The Manchester College, Hopwood Hall College, Bolton College and Tameside College on these courses.