Net Zero Energy Training Centre is given the green light

South Staffordshire College is delighted to announce a brand-new Net Zero Energy Training Centre at Rodbaston College. The building work has now been completed and we are excited to share that we will be offering free, funded and full-cost green energy courses from September 2024.

Thanks to a £1.6m Getting Building Fund, the Net Zero Energy Training Centre is a state-of-the-art skills delivery centre designed to equip the local workforce with skills needed to make the transition from carbon-based plumbing and transport technologies to carbon-free net zero technologies in line with the Government’s commitment.

The training centre is equipped with the latest advancements in energy efficiency such as photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging, air source heat pump installations and hydrogen boilers as well as energy distribution and management systems.

Neil Sambrook, Director of faculty at South Staffordshire College said, “The Net Zero Energy Training Centre at Rodbaston College offers employers and individuals the opportunity to learn and incorporate technologies that will enable transition to an alternative, cleaner future of energy generation. The flexibility of the centre offers everything from environmental awareness through to installation techniques, covering multiple industries, from construction and building services through to vehicle technologies. As the race to net zero gathers pace, the centre will continue to develop and grow its curriculum offer, meeting the demands of consumers and industry alike.”

Alongside this core training for electricians, plumbers, vehicle technicians, and construction workers, we’re also offering supplementary courses tailored to meet the evolving demands of sustainable technologies. These additional training opportunities encompass specialised modules in renewable energy systems, energy-efficient building practices, advanced HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technologies, and sustainable infrastructure development for homes of the future.

Chris Walpole, Project Director from Inside Limited said, “From the moment we were invited to tender for this project, we were all excited. The needs of the upcoming generation are changing rapidly; for them, sustainability isn’t a buzz-word, but the biggest challenge they face. Playing our part in providing a space which will help them to capitalise on the college’s expertise in net zero technology, and arms them with skills for the future, makes us very proud. It has been a pleasure to work with South Staffordshire College, Peter Marsh Consulting and all the other consultants and specialist contractors – we have all worked as one team to deliver something special.”

Tradespeople will be able to choose courses in renewal heating, electric vehicle charging, heating and water systems, installation and maintenance of air source heat pumps, retrofit, solar PV and solar hot water systems.