Green Deal provider Carillion has agreed a partnership with one of Birmingham's first Studio Schools to develop green energy skills' courses for students.

Proposals for the Waverly Studio College in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, have just been approved by the Department of Education.

Due to open in September 2013, it will welcome around 300 students aged between 14 and 19 and offer mainstream qualifications delivered through enquiry-based projects and linked to the world of work - including opportunities in the energy efficiency sector through the Government''s Green Deal initiative.

As one of the first companies to be officially named as a Green Deal provider, Carillion is ideally placed to help shape and deliver some of the work-place training.

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Green Deal is due for launch in October this year and is designed to transform the uptake of energy efficiency improvements by households and businesses by simplifying access to funding. Payment will also be made through resulting savings on energy bills - so there are no up-front costs.

The Government believes Green Deal will result in increasing investment in green technologies and renewable energy, providing a catalyst for growth and create up to 60,000 jobs in the insulation sector alone by 2015.

Carillion Bid Development Director Simon Watson said: "Carillion welcomes the announcement that Waverley Studio College has been given the Green Light from the Department of Education. By the end of the decade Green Deal could be supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs at a local level, bringing prosperity and creating more sustainable communities.

"It's crucial therefore that we give school leavers the skills they need to secure these jobs. There is no doubt that the talent is there and we are therefore delighted to be working in partnership with the Waverly Studio College to help unlock this talent and provide our local school leavers with brighter, more secure futures."

(CD/GK)