Sharron Robbie, CEO of the Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network (DCTPN), recently visited Marrakech, Morocco to speak at the Climate Connections: UK–Morocco Collaboration for Skills and Research summit, hosted by the British Council.
The event brought together international leaders in education and sustainability to explore how teaching and training can support the transition to greener economies.
During her presentation, Sharron highlighted the success of a recent British Council Going Global project on Green Skills & Renewables, led by DCTPN.
As part of this initiative, network members – Exeter College, University of Exeter, and the Focus Training Group – travelled to Morocco to deliver workshops and share best practice in teaching, learning, and curriculum design.
The collaboration focused on equipping educators and learners with the skills needed for renewable energy and sustainable industries.
The summit heard how the project was truly reciprocal. Moroccan partners later visited the UK, where they shared their expertise with British teaching staff and enjoyed visits to UK TVET colleges.
This exchange of knowledge and experience has strengthened ties between UK and Moroccan institutions, while advancing innovative approaches to green skills training.
During the summit, Sharron also met with His Excellency Alex Pinfield, the British Ambassador to Morocco, reinforcing the importance of international partnerships in education and climate action.
In addition, she acted as moderator for a panel discussion exploring how Higher Education and Vocational institutions can ensure that green skills are integrated across all courses – not just those focused on engineering or STEM based subjects – so that sustainability becomes a core part of every learner’s journey.
Sharron commented: “The invitation to attend this British Council summit, the first of its kind, was a huge privilege. I was pleased to be able to share the positive outcomes that our international work have achieved and to re-connect with past Moroccan partners.
“The summit also gave me an opportunity to meet with new partners as I am delighted to be able to share that DCTPN has been awarded another British Council project.
“We will be working with partners from Fez, Morocco over the coming year on a project that focuses on green skills and in improving the number of women entering the construction sector – it is going to be an exciting piece of work.”
Sharron’s contribution at the summit showcased how international collaboration can accelerate progress in sustainability education, ensuring that both countries benefit from shared expertise and a commitment to preparing learners for the future of work in a low-carbon world.
