Our colleagues at Claret Civil Engineering have teamed up with Anglian Water and the College of West Anglia to develop the future skills needed across the water and infrastructure sector.  

The Green Skills Academy was officially opened in Wisbech last week – and young people from across the East of England are now learning all about environmental sustainability and conservation.  

In a £4million solar-powered facility, which uses harvested rainwater to reduce water usage, learners will be equipped with practical skills in renewable energy, water efficiency and environmental technologies.  

£2million of the overall funding comes from Anglian Water and partners including Claret – matched by a further £2million from Peterborough Combined Authority.  

Network Plus head of learning and development, Louise Lawton, joined Claret director Phil Norman at the opening ceremony.  

Louise said:  
“The new academy aims to create a pipeline of new talent for our industry and I’m thrilled that Claret, a Network Plus Group business, is playing such a prominent part.  

“Sustainability skills such as carbon reduction and conservation are now critical in our industry and crucial to building resilience against the ever-increasing impacts of climate change.  

“Anglian Water has proposed £9billion of investment into the East of England between now and 2030, and that means attracting and recruit thousands of new people into our industry. The green Skills Academy will play an important role in developing a pipeline of green talent for the East of England.” 

Claret director, Phil Norman, adds: 
“The Fens are crucial to the East of England – and the entire country – for their agricultural output.  Investing in these skills today is crucial for the future. We are proud to be a partner of the Green Skills Academy and to be part of such a major step forward for sustainability skills in the East of England.”  “We have successfully supported the College of West Anglia for over ten years, giving opportunities to young learners to begin a career within our industry with many varied opportunities.” 

The first learners have already begun training at Wisbech, with a full cohort expected from September.