South Eastern Regional College has developed a new range of training programmes to prepare the workforce for the rising demand around expertise in the renewable technologies sector.
The college has introduced a specialist photovoltaic (PV) training and assessment qualification for installers of these technologies to ensure they have the technical skills and know-how to work with renewable energy equipment.
One local company which has already benefited from the training is specialist supplier of fire and security equipment, Altas Fire and Security Ltd. The energy division of the Belfast-based company Atlas Energy has up-skilled 12 engineering technicians in specialist Solar Photovoltaic training.
The training, delivered by SERC, uses state-of-the-art equipment and focuses on the installation, design, maintenance and commission of solar PV systems
SERC lecturer in electrical, sustainability and building services, Stewart Nelson, said: “Companies like Atlas Energy demand specialist programmes to meet their specific needs and we have the expertise and flexibility to deliver this.” Participants on the course receive discount on the cost of the training thanks to funding provided by the Department for Employment and Learning’s Skills Solution Customised Training fund.
Meanwhile, home furnishing company IKEA allocated €200 million towards its employees’ pension plans in 2014.
The global funding is part of the IKEA group loyalty programme ‘Tack!’. Launched in December last year, the programme rewards everyone who has been with IKEA for over five years with an annual contribution to their individual pension plans, assuming that pre-agreed global sales targets are reached. To kick-start the programme, the IKEA Group, who employs 287 co-workers in its Belfast store, made a one-time initial contribution of €100 million and for financial year 2014 a further €100 million has been allocated.
Gillian Drakeford, IKEA UK and Ireland Country Manager said: “Tack! — Swedish for thank you — is inspired by IKEA founder, Ingvar Kamprad’s wish to share the success of the IKEA Group with our co-workers.”