Education helps shift to a low carbon economy Monday, February 8, 2010 - 15:56

Speaking at the Launch of Open University Environmental Courses: Low carbon skills and the role of Further Education in a low carbon economy on 1 February, David Kidney stressed the valuable part that education can play in supporting the transition to a low carbon economy which, he said, will transform every aspect of society and the economy.

He stressed that "This country's low carbon future can only be built by people who have the skills demanded by new and dynamic industries in a globalised economy." He also expressed a commitment to ensuring a just low carbon transition.

The implications of climate change and the need to move to low carbon living and working mean that business as usual is no longer an option. NIACE welcomes this Open University development and is pleased to hear the Minister's recognition of the vital role of learning and skills in building a low carbon economy as well as his commitment to a just transition.

To make this a reality it is essential that the existing workforce, especially unskilled and low skilled workers, are included by making access to information and advice and opportunities for training and re-reskilling available and affordable.

NIACE also welcomes the recognition of the need for strategic planning at regional and local levels and the inclusion of education in the new Low Carbon Economic Areas (LCEAs). Skills development at all levels will be an important concern.
Simon Mauger, NIACE Regional Programme Director in the South West where the first LCEA was announced, stressed the importance of adult learning to develop a culture that is better informed and that feels closer in practice to the aims and practice of the LCEA as it evolves.

NIACE will work to promote and support the development of learning to ensure that adults are aware of low carbon developments and can access the skills and learning they need for equitable inclusion in the transition.

We will work with local authority structures such as the Lead Accountable Bodies for informal adult learning, to ensure that education for sustainable development is at the heart of their strategic priorities and the bigger business and enterprise context. We will also build on our work with the Government's Transformation Fund projects to develop engagement with sustainability and aspirations for low carbon skills at community level.