College links with car retailer to grow green agenda in National Apprenticeship Week

AN INNOVATIVE partnership between Lakes College and a local car retailer aims to grow awareness of the sustainability agenda in Cumbria.

Lloyd Motor Group is collaborating with the college to promote the importance of green skills through the loan of an electric car.

A BMW iX xDrive50 M-Sport, decorated with Lakes College branding, will be used by staff during National Apprenticeship Week, which starts Monday 5th February, to travel in a responsible and sustainable way on visits to engage with employers and apprentices around the county.

Iain Glendinning, Vice Principal at Lakes College, said: “We know there is an increasing demand, across a range of industries, for green skills and associated qualifications.

“We’re working hard with all our stakeholders, to develop an education offer that supports the sustainability agenda, and it’s one of the primary objectives in our strategic plan.

“This partnership is a great example of how working closely with local businesses helps in developing innovative ways to promote the importance of sustainability across our county.”

The college works with more than 700 employers to deliver apprenticeships and training in a huge range of industries including nuclear, engineering, construction, health and social care and digital.

Alex Cronin, Business Development Manager at Lloyd BMW Cockermouth, said: “The world is changing at an ever-fastening pace and we all have an eye on how our business can become friendlier to the planet – the BMW iX that we have provided Lakes College for National Apprenticeship Week 2024 is the epitome of what is possible when it comes to being a responsible, sustainable company.

“As much as 60kg of recycled plastic is used in the production of each BMW iX model, half of the aluminium used in the structure is re-purposed, the interior carpets are made of nylon recycled from old fishing nets while the ‘leather’ tanning process uses olive leaf extract rather than industrial chemicals.

“All, plus more, equating to a CO2 impact 45 per cent that of an equivalent Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle.

“Chris Nattress, Iain Glendinning and the team at Lakes College have always been at the forefront of new and innovative teaching environments and offerings and we see this as a perfect opportunity to help them promote their apprenticeships to employers in the local area – as sustainably as possible.”

If your business is interested in working with Lakes College, please contact our sales team by calling 01946 839300 or email team-sales@lcwc.ac.uk. To find out more about the BMW iX xDrive50 M-Sport click here.