EM3 skills platform continues to grow with green skills courses

With sustainability a core pillar to economic growth, we at Enterprise M3, recognise the need for the right interventions to place our vital SME base at the heart of the green transition for them to maximise the opportunities this brings. 

Alongside our ‘Green is Good’ programme, which stems from our High Growth, Low Carbon vision, the LEP has continued to support growth in the Innovation South Virtual Campus (ISVC) – an online learning platform with a wide range of skills-focused, bite-sized courses, designed to upskill and re-skill employees in businesses large and small. 

During the past 12 months, the platform has grown to include a suite of ‘Green Skills’ learning programmes, including courses in Carbon Literacy, Domestic Retrofit, Water Conservation Technologies, Sustainable Resource Management and Tree Planting and Climate Change. 

These courses have been hugely welcomed by the business community which increasingly recognise their roles and responsibilities in the collective journey to net zero targets.

Commenting on these courses, Surrey Wildlife Trust CEO Sarah Jane Chimbwandira said: “We face a climate and biodiversity crisis of unprecedented magnitude, but forward thinking minds understand that this also presents huge opportunities for us to do things better.  From managing our supplies of water more efficiently to developing new land management practices and energy efficient tech, green skills are now absolutely central to environmental, economic and social progress, as well as offering great careers to people who want to be part of something exciting and new.   

“At Surrey Wildlife Trust, we’re finding more businesses, training providers and public bodies are waking up to the huge potential of sustainable development.  Whatever your age or background, the green skills courses on the ISVC are a great way to find out more about what you might be able to contribute.” 

 In addition to the growing suite of green courses, the platform also provides access to vital work-focused training such as cyber security and digital skills. 

EM3 Skills Strategy Manager, Jamie Mackay said: “The ISVC provides a great way for ambitious employers, particularly those who want to move towards achieving Net Zero, to develop their employees with green and other skills, while future-proofing their workforce. During March 2024, we will be adding more courses to the platform thanks to additional funding from the Department for Education as part of the Local Skills Improvement Fund programme.”

If you would like to know more about the ISVC, please contact Jamie Mackay by emailing jamie.mackay@enterprisem3.org.uk.