Innovative Crawley College project shortlisted for national award

Crawley College’s Green Village has been shortlisted for a national community award.

It’s in the running for the Aico & HomeLINK Community Awards, nominated for College Initiative of the Year. 

The Green Village is part of a multi-million pound investment in the college, which aims to put the college at the forefront of innovation.

The Green Village is a construction skills hub with a focus on sustainable technologies and skills training, set up to ensure students leave the college with the green skills urgently needed by industry. 

It is also home to one of the college’s immersive learning spaces, transforming education – not only for students at the college, but for young pupils at schools in the region as well as the local community. 

Sally Challis-Manning MBE, Principal of Crawley College, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award.  

“In just a few short months, the Green Village has absolutely blossomed – focusing on sustainable skills and technology. 

“The centre will be open to our whole community, and we hope it cultivates young minds to addressing climate change, sustainability and the part we can all play on our journey to making NetZero a reality.” 

Through support of Crawley Borough Council’s Towns Fund programme, the college has invested in building an innovative training centre to bring learning to life through a life-size bungalow, fitted out with the equipment, fixtures and fittings that are being installed in the council’s own housing stock, alongside an immersive space. 

It is also home to a garage workshop, where electric and hybrid automotive skills are being taught – using safe, industry standard training equipment. 

Sally added: “This is very much about looking to the future, and we’ve been working with industry partners to ensure we’re providing a training offer that meets their needs. 

“We anticipate being able to run courses that will provide businesses with the opportunity to upskill their workforce in sustainable, green technologies which are becoming more and more prevalent in our homes and through our transportation. 

“We’re looking forward to being able to welcome pupils from our local schools, as we aim to inspire their aspirations and future careers. The Green Village may be at Crawley College, but it is a facility that has also been developed for our community.” 

The Aico & HomeLINK Community Awards recognise the achievements of inspirational individuals and organisations working within the local community. The ceremony will take place in Birmingham on Thursday 18 April.