Ambitious energy project attracts 500 new recruits

A
project designed to help plug skills gaps in the energy sector has attracted
500 new people into the industry in its first year.

Under
the Ambition:Energy project launched last summer, trainees learn skills in
special units designed to replicate the average home.

The
project hopes to attract 4,500 men and women into the energy sector over the
next three years and trains people as gas installers, gas network operatives,
water leakage technicians, pipefitters and gas meter exchange operatives.

Secretary
of state for work and pensions Andrew Smith said the scheme ensured jobseekers
were equipped with the right skills for the right vacancies.

"This
means jobseekers get sustainable jobs, which offer real career opportunities
and employers get highly trained and motivated staff to meet their skills
shortages," he said.

By Michael Millar