Cumberland college and Lloyd Motor promote green skills

The collaboration with Lakes College aims to highlight the importance of green skills with the support of an electric vehicle loaned by the motor group.

Decorated in Lakes College’s insignia, the BMW iX xDrive50 M-Sport will be used by staff throughout National Apprenticeship Week, starting February 5, for environmental responsibility on their county-wide visits.

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."

Partnered with more than 700 businesses, the college provides apprenticeships and provides training in different sectors such as 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."