HRH The Duke of York Opens GEN II’s Expanded Training Facilities
GEN II were delighted to welcome The Duke of York when he visited the GEN II Carlisle Skills Centre, during his official visit to the County on 30th May.
His Royal Highness, was welcomed by GEN II’s Chief Executive Officer, Mike Smith, GEN II staff and apprentices, Carlisle MP, John Stevenson and many senior people from the local business community, from companies including Innovia Films, Nestle, McVities, Crown Bevcan and Pirelli.
The Duke of York actively supports UK business and works hard to help create prosperity for the UK. In addition, His Royal Highness is committed to Science and Engineering and apprentice training, making the visit to the GEN II Engineering Training Centre an ideal forum to discuss skills and education with apprentices and the local Cumbrian business community.
During the visit The Duke of York was given the opportunity to take part in a roundtable discussion about apprenticeships and skills development in our area with key GEN II staff, apprentices and employers. The visit then continued with a tour of the GEN II centre, followed by the official opening the newly developed GEN II Electrical and Renewable Energies Department.
The new department has been developed due to an increase in demand for apprentice and commercial training in Carlisle. The department provides a range of renewable training including Solar Photovoltaic aimed at electrical installers, and electricity generation from wind turbines aimed adults and apprentices. Electrical training in the department will include installation, maintenance and renewable technologies for industrial commercial and domestic customers.
The renewable department also houses the Energy Suite which enables classroom delivery for wind turbines, eco-living, Solar Photovoltaic’s, hot water and hydrogen production. Some of the models and simulators from the department have already been used in local schools to teach the importance of renewable energy and energy conservation.
After the official opening of the centre His Royal Highness was presented with a gift by Mechanical Apprentice, Jay Henderson, who along with his fellow apprentices, crafted a presentation piece to showcase the skills of the learners.
Mike Smith, GEN II’s Chief Executive Officer said “We are privileged that His Royal Highness took the time to visit our Carlisle Training Centre to experience at first hand some of the high quality apprentice training which is available within our region. The Duke of York is an avid supporter of apprenticeships, particularly relating to Science and Engineering and we hope that the centre showcased how we help address current and future skills demand in the local area for apprentices and commercial clients.”
