A COLLEGE has launched a course with a solar panels company to teach students about saving energy.

Kirklees College has started courses with The Waxman Group, at the firm’s premises in Elland.

The course aims to introduce electrical installation and maintenance students to renewable energies and raise their environmental awareness.

The course is funded by the European Social Fund, through Kirklees Council’s Skills for Climate Change: Low Carbon Living and Working programme.

Over 60 students this month learned about solar photo-voltaics, ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, grey water harvesting and biomass fuels.

Javan Webb, construction tutor at the college said: “We’re really pleased to be working with the Waxman Group. The partnership is offering our students a brilliant opportunity to diversify and expand their skills.

“They learned about a variety of new green equipment. Waxman already has the facilities and equipment set up and students experienced different energies and got some hands on experience.

“With the government dedicated to reducing CO² it’s more important than ever that people working in the construction industry are aware of the part they can play.

“I’m delighted we could offer our students this opportunity, we’re extremely grateful to the Waxman Group for all of the support we’ve received.”