North West Regional College (NWRC) is supporting local people and employers to prepare for the opportunities of a greener economy through the Green Accelerator Skills Programme (GRASP), a major cross-border initiative focused on green skills, sustainable construction and new pathways into employment and further learning across the North West and wider border region.

Funded through PEACEPLUS, and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), GRASP brings together further and higher education partners, industry bodies and community stakeholders to help address the green skills needed for the transition to a low-carbon economy. The partnership is developing a more joined-up approach to green skills training, with particular relevance for construction, retrofit and the built environment.

GRASP is already making strong progress through the development and delivery of new accredited green skills training, targeted academy programmes and schools outreach activity. Together, these strands are supporting existing construction workers, employers, career changers, jobseekers, new entrants and young people to better understand the skills, technologies and career pathways linked to a more sustainable built environment.

At NWRC, this work includes the development of a broad suite of fully funded, accredited green skills courses designed around emerging industry needs and the upskilling of the current construction workforce. Upcoming provision includes areas such as retrofit, sustainable construction, solar PV installation, heat pump systems, EV charging, electrical energy storage, airtightness, ventilation, and environmental management. This reflects NWRC’s commitment to creating practical, employer-relevant courses that can be delivered through the College and support the construction sector’s transition to more sustainable ways of working.

The project is also working closely with employers and industry partners to ensure training remains practical, relevant and aligned with regional workforce needs. This industry-informed approach helps businesses understand the skills required for greener construction methods, improved energy performance, sustainability planning and emerging digital tools. It also supports a stronger local talent pipeline by helping schools and young people explore educational pathways, career choices and the opportunities emerging from the green economy.

For individuals, GRASP offers a funded route to gain new skills and explore alternative pathways into employment, upskilling or further education. For employers, clients and the wider construction sector, it provides an opportunity to build internal capability and prepare teams for the demands of a changing economy. Through its schools outreach, academies, employer engagement and new course development, GRASP is helping to future-proof the local workforce, widen participation and create a lasting skills legacy for the construction and built environment sectors.

To find out more about upcoming GRASP opportunities, visit graspproject.com or contact grasp@nwrc.ac.uk.