On Thursday 22 June, colleagues from MIDAS (Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency – which forms part of the Growth Company) and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) welcomed ‘North Carolina’s Workforce Development and Clean Energy Delegation’ visit to our Green Skills Academy in Trafford Park.
The North Carolina delegation included government representatives from trade, economic development, transport, clean energy as well as academics. Their visit was part of six-days of activity, including visits to leaders of innovation in Greater Manchester, Liverpool and North Wales.
Greater Manchester and North Carolina are working together to enhance trade relations, promote economic development and increase investment in their respective regions – which includes increased co-operation across clean technology and energy.
Introducing our Green Skills Academy
The visit was a fantastic opportunity to share the Academy’s innovative green technology and comprehensive training offer to an international audience. Launched in January 2023, the Academy now plays a critical role in Greater Manchester’s ambitions to reach Net Zero carbon by 2038.
The 90-minute visit was hosted by Roosevelt Alexander, Director of the Green Skills Academy, Rachel Eyre - Head of Advanced Manufacturing and Low Carbon at MIDAS and subject matter experts from GMCA: Sean Owen, Head of Low Carbon and Sharon Weetman, Principal - Education, Skills & Work.
Sharing ideas
The visit included a lively 30 minute round table discussion covering topics such as; industry’s role in creating clean energy jobs; the timeline and progression around skills and qualifications; complexities around funding; supplier investment, and the importance of raising awareness of green career paths at a young age.
Roosevelt Alexander, Director of the Green Skills Academy said:
“Today’s been absolutely fantastic, It was great to meet the Delegation and they were very excited to see the Academy.
“They want to introduce Green Skills Academies in the US and they’d love us to share our expertise and current position to help them get them off the ground. The door’s truly open for further discussion.”
Showcasing the Academy’s real-world approach
A highlight of the visit included a guided tour of the Academy - which hosts a number of real-world work environments to show how existing homes can be entirely powered by green technology. The onsite Low Energy Smart Home includes state-of-the-art automated technology, as well as heat recovery and cooling systems.
Jennifer Mundt, Assistant Secretary for Clean Energy Economic Development, North Carolina’s Department of Commerce said:
“It’s fantastic and really humbling to see just how much Greater Manchester has done to elevate and amplify green careers and technologies. It’s great to see the fruits of their labour and proves we need a solid workforce to serve this growing sector”.
Susi Hamilton, Head of Economic Development, North Carolina Department of Transportation (featured on the left below) said:
“Today’s visit has been fascinating. We’re sharing ideas across the ocean and our goal is to accelerate and make connections around renewable energy.”
Working together to enhance trade relations
The Delegation’s visit to the Academy was part of a packed day of visits across Greater Manchester, including tours of the ‘Manchester Fuel Cell and Innovation Centre' at Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Salford’s ‘Energy House Labs’.
Greater Manchester and North Carolina are now working together to enhance trade relations, promote economic development and increase investment in their respective regions.
In March 2023, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham and Councillor Bev Craig visited the US to boost trade, investment, and culture in Greater Manchester.
Partnering with the UK Government, they led the first city-region mission to North Carolina following signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UK and North Carolina in July 2022. The aim is to streamline trade and investment between UK and North Carolinian businesses, while laying a framework for increased co-operation in areas including clean tech and energy.
