�2 million green tech centre opened by Barking and Dagenham College

Barking and Dagenham College has opened its new �2million Green Technologies Centre, which will train students in renewable technologies.

The centre was launched in response to a national shortage of electricians, plumbers and mechanics who are qualified in working with environmentally friendly equipment.

Courses on offer will include training in fitting and maintenance of solar thermal and PV cells, air and ground source heat pumps, rain and “grey” water harvesting and green car technologies.

The hi-tech new centre has been fitted with all of these technologies itself, meaning it is an eco-friendly building.

Cathy Walsh, CEO and principal of Barking and Dagenham college, said: “The college is now one of the few training providers in east London which will be able to offer this specialist training to boost the green skills of qualified electricians and plumbers.”

Meanwhile the work of Barking and Dagenham College photography student Daniele Pintore has been chosen to go on show at a fundraising showcase in Genoa, Italy.

Daniele, who originally comes from Genoa, has had three of her photographs chosen for the exhibition, Infiniti Istanti (Infinite Instants).

Money raised from the exhibition will benefit eco-responsible schools and associations.