The road to Net Zero: thermography shows the distribution of heat generated by Salt in Matrix materials, which can store thermal energy indefinitely. The MESH project involving Swansea University researchers and Tata Steel is investigating the potential for recovering waste heat from industry so it can be re-used.
Swansea University has received £992,312 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to establish the SWITCH-On Skills project to address the multi-level skills challenges of Decarbonisation, Net-Zero Manufacturing, Green Jobs and Digital.
Through the utilisation of the Skills Escalator, SWITCH-On Skills will aim to address the future skills required in the workforce, to secure climate and environmental crises mitigation knowledge and introducing the best available techniques and environmentally positive options.
Participants can access short, CPD or credit-bearing micro-credential courses and use these to build qualifications or simply to gain the skills needed for their role.
The project will also undertake outreach work with schools and colleges across the region to assist in future proofing the workforce with the Net Zero knowledge and skills required.
Project lead Dr Khalil Khan from the Faculty of Science and Engineering said:
“There are multiple institutions offering a plethora of qualifications but there is a need for a more joined-up approach that recognises the need for skills at every level of education, from school, to apprenticeships, to postgraduate level.
Furthermore, there is a need for flexibility in delivery, both in terms of the physical access to courses, but also in how individuals can navigate through the skills levels. SWITCH-On Skills utilises advances in online guided learning, in-person teaching and practical sessions, and industry collaborations to address this”
Simon Brennan of Neath Port Talbot Council added:
“Neath Port Talbot Council has recognised the opportunity for decarbonisation within the region. The focus on skills, primarily around net zero and manufacturing, will align with the Neath Port Talbot Economic Recovery Plan and Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy (DARE) Strategy.
We recognise the key challenges in achieving decarbonisation in the area. We need to support key industries and staff with the skills to form a resilient and effective workforce that is poised to adapt to the challenges of decarbonisation. Supporting the wider manufacturing sector will present many opportunities to ensure that industry not only understands the forthcoming challenges but is also able to support the skills development of their workforce.
SWITCH-On Skills supports other strategic investments in the County Borough, such as the Supporting Innovation and Low Carbon Growth programme, Homes as Power Stations, and our journey to industrial decarbonisation”.
It is hoped that the SWITCH-On Skills project will ultimately lead to the creation of a centre of excellence for knowledge transfer for regional upskilling, reskilling and new skills in key priority areas. Ensuring Welsh industry is resilient, future proof, globally competitive, with an informed and knowledgeable workforce and supply chain.