Skills for Clean Growth for SMEs in West of England launches
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the West of England will be able to benefit from skills and workforce development to help them transition to a low carbon economy, thanks to the Skills for Clean Growth (SCG) programme, which launches in January 2022.
SCG is a free business support programme to help drive the region’s ambitions for clean and inclusive growth, as part of the Workforce for the Future programme and the objective of reaching net-zero by 2030. The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is leading the programme in collaboration with NatWest and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
Funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and running until May 2023, the programme offers a range of skills development, training and CPD, as well as the leadership skills needed to build a clean growth strategy and the knowledge and tools to achieve sustainability.
Professor Martin Boddy, who is Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at UWE Bristol, said: “With funding from the European Social Fund awarded by the West of England Combined Authority and working with our delivery partners, NatWest, we will enable SMEs across the region attract, develop and retain the skilled workforce they need for the future. The project is focused on working towards a net-zero carbon, green future. Participants in the Skills for Clean Growth programme will learn about existing low-carbon practices and discover some of the ways they can best implement these in practical terms in their future activities.”
SMEs will be offered support to help evaluate their low carbon status and identify the skills required to plan and implement clean business practices and behaviours. Based on the results, they will receive an action plan and bespoke training options for their workforce, including workshops with academics and industry representatives.
To be eligible for support, applicants must have a presence in the West of England (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset) and be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “There is a climate emergency and everyone is going to have to do their bit to help build a greener future. As we change the way we make goods and retrofit our homes we will need a new skilled workforce. That is of course also a significant opportunity to create high-skilled, well-paid, green jobs. I’m pleased to be able to offer this support so workers will get the skills they need to meet the demands of a greener economy.”
The SCG programme will be accepting registrations from today. For more information, click here to access the Skills for Clean Growth website. If you would like to get in touch before registering your interest or have any questions, please email the team.
Alongside the SCG programme, SMEs can access other support from expert partners through the West of England Combined Authority Growth Hub.
Related news
11 July 2025
Wound dressings developed with support from UWE Bristol to be launched by global firm
Technology that a team of UWE Bristol scientists helped develop to aid the healing of chronic wounds will be used in new ‘smart dressings’ being launched by global medical company.
10 July 2025
Researcher awarded funding to develop digital health platform that connects people to local services
A UWE Bristol academic has received funding to develop an online platform that connects people to local community organisations offering health and social care support.
03 July 2025
Research lab The Brunel Centre opens to power sustainable and inclusive growth for the West of England
A new data and research centre designed to support sustainable and inclusive growth and industrial strategy in the region, has officially launched.
11 June 2025
Telling our story at UWE Bristol: RISE with us
UWE Bristol has launched RISE - standing for Research, Innovation, Skills and Enterprise - an institutional framework which shapes the University's purpose, culture and future growth.
23 May 2025
New Centre launched at UWE Bristol to drive social and economic change across Africa through HE partnerships
UWE Bristol has launched the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) — a collaborative platform to support African-led innovation, research and HE initiatives.
11 December 2024
UWE Bristol alum develops flatpack wood stove to heat homes damaged in conflict
A UWE Bristol alum has designed a flatpack wood burning stove which will provide a vital heat source for people whose homes have been damaged in areas of conflict across the world.
28 November 2024
Entrepreneur and advocate for workplace equality awarded honorary degree by UWE Bristol
Dr Zara Nanu MBE, an innovator in addressing workplace inequalities and tackling the gender pay gap, has been awarded an honorary degree by UWE Bristol.
21 November 2024
Crypto-trader training platform among eight graduate businesses to receive funding boost
A platform that trains people to trade cryptocurrency safely is one of eight graduate businesses to have received funding through UWE Bristol’s Entrepreneurial Futures Award.
20 November 2024
Innovative university-business partnership to power economic growth and devolution for the West of England
A new centre created by the University of Bath with UWE Bristol and Futures West will pioneer new approaches to economic research and data analysis for the West of England.
29 July 2024
Student who dedicated his time at university to helping disabled people graduates
A student who has dedicated his time at UWE Bristol to helping people with disabilities has graduated.
21 May 2024
Growth for tech innovation in Bristol as Future Space expands
UWE Bristol’s award-winning innovation centre, Future Space, has opened its doors to 10,000 square feet of brand-new office and laboratory facilities.
18 January 2024
The new programme powering upskilling across the West of England
UWE Bristol have launched a new programme aimed at upskilling workers across the West of England, which aims make it easier to access the knowledge and expertise to boost their careers.