A local Further and Higher Education College has become the first college in Northern Ireland to become a hub in the prestigious National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies, the UK's largest network of accredited training providers delivering skills in low carbon and energy efficiency.

As the only college in the National Skills Academy network, South Eastern Regional College (SERC) will be best placed to offer a range of accredited training and qualifications including solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal hot water and biomass to ensure installers and others involved in the building services engineering sector can access high-quality, industry-led training in a location close to their business.

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The new courses available are for those interested in increasing their existing skills include qualifications for plumbers, electricians, and heating and ventilating engineers. In order to undertake one of these new courses, available at the college's Newtownards campus, potential students will need to meet certain pre-requisites.

SERC Principal and Chief Executive Ken Webb explained: "The achievement of this accreditation represents a major milestone and raises the bar for environmental excellence at SERC. We believe that achieving this certification is a testament to the quality training we provide and reinforces our reputation as a dedicated training venue for local businesses, pioneering skills development in the green economy for businesses in Northern Ireland and beyond.

"We support business growth by providing expert advice and hands-on training, including the development of new products and services and up-skilling staff through bespoke training. The college also provides a service for business start–ups, such as free advice and support."