GREEN SKILLS SUMMIT 2026
Friday 6 March 2026
9:30am – 1:00pm
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston New Rd, Samlesbury, Preston, PR5 0AG
Free Event
Join us at Brockholes Nature Reserve for the Green Skills Summit 2026, bringing together education, employers, and partners, to explore how green skills are being developed and delivered across Lancashire.
Building on the success of last year’s event, the Green Skills Summit returns to bring together educators, employers and local authorities from across Lancashire to explore how green skills are being developed, applied, and scaled to meet the region’s future workforce needs.
Set within the inspiring surroundings of Brockholes Nature Reserve, this half-day summit will showcase examples of sustainable practice, innovation and collaboration across the construction and infrastructure supply chain. From hydrogen technology and retrofit solutions to waste management, circular economy and green careers, the agenda is packed with insight from industry leaders, SMEs and public sector partners.
Expect thought-provoking talks, practical employer insights, and plenty of opportunities to network, share ideas and build meaningful connections over coffee and lunch.
Event Agenda
View the full Green Skills Summit agenda here
Event Contributors
Simon Nixon
Principal & CEO, Preston College
Simon Nixon leads Preston College’s strategic direction, with a strong focus on long-term investment in skills, facilities, and employer partnerships. Under his leadership, the College continues to invest in industry-standard environments, emerging technologies, and curriculum areas that align directly with regional economic priorities.
At the Green Skills Summit, Simon will reinforce the message that green skills are no longer a niche specialism. They are becoming embedded across construction, engineering, manufacturing, and infrastructure, shaping how people work, build, and progress their careers. His contribution sets the strategic context for why sustainability-focused skills matter for learners, employers, and the wider Lancashire economy.
Zac Wilkinson
Assistant Director – Construction & the Built Environment, Preston College
Zac Wilkinson leads construction delivery and green skills development at Preston College. He has spoken at Whitehall, Westminster on green skills in the North of England, contributing to national conversations on workforce development, sustainability, and regional opportunity.
At Preston College, Zac oversees the integration of green skills across construction pathways, working closely with employers, awarding bodies, and local partners to ensure students gain relevant, industry experience. His work focuses on aligning education with employer expectations, future labour market needs, and practical delivery on live projects.
At the Summit, Zac will set the scene for the day, linking learner careers, employer demand, and the practical application of sustainability across the construction sector.
ETA Awards
Green Awarding Organisation
ETA Awards is a leading awarding body specialising in green and sustainability-focused qualifications. Working in partnership with Preston College, ETA Awards has supported the delivery of over 3,000 qualifications linked to green skills and sustainable practice.
Their work plays a key role in ensuring qualifications reflect real industry needs, supporting learners to progress into sustainable careers and helping employers build a workforce ready for future challenges.
At the Summit, ETA Awards will highlight how qualifications, funding, and employer demand are coming together to support green skills development across Lancashire.
Crush & Go
Groundworks and Sustainable Waste Management
Crush & Go works in partnership with Preston College to deliver a practical, circular approach to construction waste management. The partnership focuses on crushing hardcore on site and reprocessing it into MOT material, creating a sustainable, non-waste cycle.
Now in its third year, the partnership has saved thousands of pounds in consumables while achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions and construction waste sent off site. It provides students with industry experience of sustainable construction practices that are already being used by industry.
At the Summit, Crush & Go will demonstrate how SMEs can lead on sustainability through practical, cost-effective solutions.
Joseph Parr Group
Builders’ Merchants and Construction Supply Chain
Joseph Parr Group is part of a network of independent builders’ merchants established in 1883 and ranked among the top 20 builders’ merchants in the UK. As an independent, local builders’ and timber merchant, the Group prides itself on strong local service, quality products, and experienced staff.
Serving customers across surrounding local areas, Joseph Parr Group plays a key role in the construction supply chain, supporting projects of all sizes with efficient delivery and trusted expertise.
Their contribution to the Summit will highlight the role of materials, procurement, and supply chains in supporting more sustainable construction practices.
Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL)
Cosy Homes in Lancashire was launched in 2014 by 15 local authorities following an energy efficiency study commissioned by Blackpool Public Health. It is a not-for-profit scheme managed by Rhea Projects.
CHiL supports residents, landlords, and park homeowners through free energy-saving advice and access to grants for heating, insulation, and low-carbon renewable technologies. Working with charities, organisations, and product manufacturers, the scheme helps make homes warmer, healthier, and more energy efficient across Lancashire.
At the Summit, CHiL will showcase how local authority-led initiatives can drive retrofit, fuel poverty reduction, and low-carbon housing solutions.
John Hardman
Senior Green Skills Consultant, Preston College / InnovatED Consulting
John Hardman is a senior green skills consultant with a lifelong commitment to sustainability and environmental innovation. He has spoken at Whitehall, Westminster on green skills in the North of England and has played a pioneering role in sustainable technologies.
John was one of the early trailblazers for waterless urinals and has spent his career supporting organisations to adopt greener practices through practical, scalable solutions. His work bridges policy, education, and employer delivery.
At the Summit, John will provide sector insight, helping connect employer needs with skills development and sustainable innovation.
JCB
Hydrogen Technology and Decarbonisation
JCB is leading innovation in hydrogen-powered machinery, supporting the decarbonisation of heavy plant and construction equipment. Their work focuses on reducing emissions while maintaining the performance and reliability demanded by the construction sector.
At the Green Skills Summit, JCB will provide an update on hydrogen technology, exploring its role in the future of construction, the implications for workforce skills, and how emerging technologies are shaping the next generation of plant operations and maintenance.
Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
CITB supports the construction industry by investing in skills, training, and workforce development. Its focus is on helping employers attract, train, and retain the skilled workforce needed now and in the future.
At the Summit, CITB will highlight green construction career pathways, funding support for employers, and how businesses can access training that supports sustainability, productivity, and long-term growth.
ProPerla
Retrofit and Building Protection Technologies
ProPerla specialises in advanced building protection systems, including hydrophobic exterior coatings that improve thermal efficiency and building performance. Their products support retrofit, fabric-first approaches, and long-term building durability.
At the Green Skills Summit, ProPerla will explore how modern materials and coatings contribute to energy efficiency, reduced maintenance, and sustainable retrofit solutions across housing and commercial buildings.
United Utilities
Sustainable Drainage and Environmental Infrastructure
United Utilities has worked in partnership with Preston College over the past year, collaborating on sustainable drainage and environmental infrastructure projects. This partnership focuses on educating learners and the wider supply chain on best practice in water management and sustainability.
At the Summit, United Utilities will share insight into sustainable drainage systems, environmental resilience, and the skills required to support future infrastructure delivery.
Preston City Council
Green Strategy and Circular Economy
Preston City Council plays an active role in supporting green initiatives, sustainability, and economic development across the city. Through its work on waste management, planning, and the circular economy, the Council helps create the conditions for greener growth.
At the Green Skills Summit, Preston City Council will highlight how local government works with education providers and employers to support sustainable practices, skills development, and greener communities.
Eric Wright Group
Employer Partner – Construction, Infrastructure and Skills
The Eric Wright Group is a long-standing employer partner of Preston College and a major contributor to skills development across construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, and the built environment.
Through close collaboration with the College, the Group supports students and apprentices with real-world exposure to large-scale projects, professional standards, and modern methods of construction. This partnership helps ensure training is aligned with current industry practice, employer expectations, and long-term workforce needs.
At the Green Skills Summit, Eric Wright Group will represent the employer voice, demonstrating how sustainability, quality, and skills development are being embedded into live projects and organisational culture across the construction sector.
To secure your place, please complete the registration form below: