Trafford College has announced it is embracing an 'environmentally friendly future' by launching a new green skills hub.

The college has created the hub to develop students' skills to install and maintain green technology equipment now and in the future.

To celebrate the new hub, college bosses invited Trafford Council Leader, Councillor Tom Ross and chief executive, Sara Todd, to its Stretford site for a tour of the building and a discussion about the new technology.

Councillor Ross and Ms Todd were shown how ground source heat pumps work and engaged in a talk about the benefits of green technology.

Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground to heat radiators and provide hot water in the home.

They also heard how the college plans to launch a number of courses in the area.

The pair were impressed by what they had seen and were pleased with how the college has laid out its green agenda.

The initiative aligns with the Council's corporate priority to take action to address the climate crisis.

James Scott, principal and chief executive of The Trafford College Group, said: “We are very excited about the launch of our Green Skills Hub.

"While there is a general knowledge of the importance of green technologies there is a lot more work needed to help people understand how the current and future skills gaps in the industry are hampering the important opportunities and benefits it can offer.

“With the increased demand for green technology, it means that the career opportunities, salaries and benefits that come from working in the industry are excellent and this is only going to get better. 

"That's why we are working with young people, schools, adults and employers to raise awareness of these opportunities so that Greater Manchester can better realise its ambition of being carbon-neutral by 2038.”

Councillor Ross said he was "delighted" to be invited to the College to see the green skills hub in action.

"What a fabulous initiative to give students the ability to work in the green industry.

"This is a great way to help develop skills in this area.

“Trafford Council has made addressing the climate crisis a major priority so we are delighted that Trafford College have launched the new Hub which will be of huge benefit to students and the environment", the councillor added.

Ms Todd also said she was "extremely impressed by the hub" while the tour "provided an interesting insight into new green technologies".

"We look forward to continue to work closely with Trafford College now and in the future.

"Well done to everyone involved, she said.

The Hub is expected to be officially launched in the summer ahead of the new cohort of students arriving in September.