After a tour of the campus facilities with College Director Victor Refausseé, who showed her various examples of the college’s work in the subject, the Minister said: "This is tremendously encouraging. I have had the opportunity to speak with staff and students at the college and it is clear that there is a real understanding of the need to develop and nurture the whole concept of renewable energy.
“This is important because one of the key targets in our Sustainable Development Strategy is to ensure that beyond 2025, forty per cent of electricity consumed in Northern Ireland is obtained from indigenous energy sources.
“That is why I am very encouraged by the dedicated training that the South West College is providing in this field. Its focus on design delivery, support and management of sustainable activities will undoubtedly help to raise awareness of renewable energy. In addition, and crucially, it will help to ensure the availability of a competent pool of renewable energy installers.”
Notes to Editors:
- South West College was formed on 1 August 2007 following the merge of Omagh College, Fermanagh College and East Tyrone College. The college provides a comprehensive range of full-time and part-time programmes, from basic to higher education levels. The programmes are managed within three faculties: Creative, cultural and core studies; Professional and social studies; and Technology and science.
- The college is actively involved in the support, design, delivery and management of innovative and sustainable activities within the rural sector. It is also a participant in the EU funded Renewable Energy Installer Academy (REIA). This project gives renewable energy installers access to dedicated training opportunities through a network of colleges and further and higher education across Northern Ireland.
- Northern Ireland’s Sustainable Development Strategy, “First Steps Towards Sustainability”, was published in May 2006.
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