Sustsainability Developments within Petroc
DEVELOPING GREEN SKILLS WITH MOROCCO
On 7 December 2022, Petroc hosted a delegation from Morocco, part of the DCTPN/British Council project looking at the growing skills requirements and industry needs of the green economy. In November, Petroc was part of a UK delegation to visit renewables leaders and trainers in Morocco, a country at the forefront of renewable energy production.
Petroc hosted a roundtable event for the IFMEREE delegation and local stakeholders, and signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop collaborative projects including future student and staff exchanges. This event cemented our friendship with renewables training institute IFMEREE and supports our aspiration for Petroc to play a key role in the development of green skills across Northern Devon. The roundtable discussions highlighted the new jobs and careers that the green economy brings, whether this is working as an offshore wind technician, a project manager for solar technology companies, providing mixed reality agritech for the farming industry or as a scientist working in aquaculture – the future is exciting, and green!
PETROC INVOLVED IN CLEAN MARITIME PROJECT
Petroc is proud to be a leading partner in skills development for the new Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre.
Following the announcement of £15.6m of funding for the development, Petroc’s Vice-Principal, Bill Blythe, said: “We are excited to be part of this project, which brings cutting-edge research and marine commercialisation to northern Devon. We have the opportunity of a lifetime to demonstrate the role that new technologies, working alongside the natural environment, can play in creating a sustainable economy for everyone. For us, the key part of this development is the need for skills and the opportunities it brings for young people and returners to education.”
The development at Middle Dock, which will be funded by the Levelling Up Fund, will establish Torridge and wider northern Devon as a global-leading research and development destination for innovation in clean maritime technology and support industries.
A key role of the centre is to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, and Petroc is delighted to be working with the centre to develop the skills needed in clean maritime, environmental management and in preparing for the future green hydrogen deployment.
ZERO SHOP
On 1 February 2023, Petroc's Zero Shop opened at North Devon campus. This fantastic initiative is available for students who need clothing or toiletry basics - enabling them to come along and take what they need at no charge.
Gary Childs, Petroc's Student Engagement Officer said: “We are delighted to announce the official opening of our very own Zero Shop at our North Devon Campus. The Zero Shop has been a long-term sustainable project of ours which, along with the PSU, we have been able to bring to life through the drive and passion of those involved. We think it is amazing that we can provide support to our students who may be in need of essential clothing and toiletries - at zero cost. It also ties in with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of No Poverty and Responsible Consumption and Reduction, and helping students in a time of need."
