Cornwall College Lecturer Appointed Co-Chair of Industry Skills Alliance

Cornwall Lecturer Lands National Role Shaping Future Skills

A member of teaching staff at Cornwall College St Austell has been appointed to a new national position aimed at helping shape the future workforce of the refrigeration industry.

Mark Harris, Electrical Programme Study Manager at Cornwall College St Austell, has been named Co-Chair of the newly formed Industry Skills Alliance. The employer-led national forum has been created by the Institute of Refrigeration UK and brings together employers, training providers and sector leaders to guide skills development and workforce planning across the industry.

The alliance will focus on strengthening apprenticeship pathways, tackling skills shortages across the sector and helping shape future training frameworks for refrigeration and cooling technologies.

Recognition For Industry Expertise

Laetitia Mayne, Assistant Principal at Cornwall College St Austell, said Mark’s appointment reflects the depth of knowledge within the college’s teaching teams.

“Mark’s appointment to this national role is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the expertise and industry knowledge our staff bring to the classroom every day,” she said.

“Our lecturers are not only educators but active contributors to their sectors. Their links with industry help ensure our students learn the skills employers need now and in the future.”

Supporting Future Workforce Development

In his new position, Mark will work alongside employers, professional bodies and training organisations from across the UK. The role will support the development of apprenticeships, strengthen technical training pathways and contribute to shaping the sector’s national workforce strategy.

Mark Harris said he is looking forward to working with industry partners while helping strengthen the link between education and employers.

“I’m excited to take on this role with the Industry Skills Alliance,” he said.

“It is an important moment for the sector as we look at future workforce needs and how education and industry can work together more closely. I’m looking forward to collaborating with employers and training providers to help develop strong pathways into the industry for the next generation.”

Focus On Technical And Green Skills

The appointment also highlights Cornwall College St Austell’s focus on technical and green skills training.

The campus is home to the Green Construction Skills Academy and the Roofing Apprenticeship Academy. These specialist facilities have been developed to support emerging technologies and sustainable building practices across the region.

Learners are given hands-on experience with industry equipment and modern construction methods, helping prepare students and apprentices for careers in sectors increasingly focused on low-carbon technologies and sustainable infrastructure.

By maintaining links with industry organisations and national forums such as the Industry Skills Alliance, Cornwall College aims to ensure its curriculum reflects workforce needs while creating opportunities for learners to move into skilled employment.

More information about construction and engineering courses at Cornwall College St Austell can be found on the college’s website: Cornwall College.

📷Mark Harris, Electrical Programme Study Manager at Cornwall College St Austell, who has been appointed Co-Chair of the National Industry Skills Alliance