James Wild MP has officially opened the College of West Anglia’s new Green Skills Centre in King’s Lynn, marking a major investment in sustainable development and green technology education in North West Norfolk. The state-of-the-art facility will equip local people with the skills needed for the growing low-carbon economy, with plans to train 900 students over the next two decades and create 30 new jobs.
The East of England is already a national leader in clean energy, with the world’s largest offshore wind market off its coastline and Bacton emerging as a key site for the gas sector, with growing potential for hydrogen. Over the next decade, clean energy production in the region is set to rise by 175%, attracting £122 billion in investment by 2050. This rapid expansion has created a demand for specialised training in energy efficiency retrofitting, renewable energy installation, solar technology, thermal imaging drone surveying, and electric vehicle maintenance – all of which are skills the Green Skills Centre will develop.
With the UK facing potential shortfalls of 200,000 energy and 230,000 construction workers by 2030, investment in green skills has never been more urgent. Job listings requiring at least one "green skill" rose by 22.4% between 2022 and 2023, further strengthening the case for a matching workforce ready to support the low-carbon economy. Locally, the Green Skills Centre aims to help bridge this gap by providing targeted education and training to help local residents access emerging opportunities in the sector.
Since being elected in 2019, James has worked closely with the College of West Anglia, particularly in helping secure £600,000 for its School of Nursing Studies as part of the £25 million for the Lynn Town Deal. With a strong focus on improving educational outcomes in his Plan for North West Norfolk, he has welcomed the opening of the new centre and looks forward to continue working with staff and students to support the delivery of the diverse provisions the college offers.
Speaking at the opening, James Wild MP said:
"This centre is a major investment in our areas future - equipping local people with the skills needed for the green economy and laying the foundations for long-term growth and sustainability. I am confident the Green Skills Centre will have a positive impact on our community and economy, helping to drive the transition to a low-carbon future.
During his visit, James praised the College for the centre’s new courses, and took time to try his hand at virtual reality welding, learn about solar-powered home batteries and explore the college’s new drone thermal imaging course which will give students versatile skills, opening doors in agriculture and construction to a wide range of emergency services. Throughout, students took the opportunity to showcase their work, marking a proud moment for the college and the wider community.
With its ambitious training plans, the Green Skills Centre strengthens North West Norfolk’s position as a hub for clean energy innovation and education. It will play a key role in supporting the UK’s goal of creating up to 725,000 new green jobs by 2030, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of the low-carbon transition.
