Hugh Baird College Partners with E.ON to Power the Future of Green Skills
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the demand for green skills is rapidly increasing. In the Liverpool City Region alone, 65,000 workers need upskilling to meet the region's net zero targets.
Addressing this urgent need, Hugh Baird College is playing a crucial role in preparing the next generation of professionals to thrive in the green economy.
Demonstrating this commitment, Hugh Baird College — an Ofsted Outstanding college — recently hosted E.ON’s Net Zero Training Academy at its Bootle campus. The event provided 150 electrical and plumbing students with an immersive learning experience focused on solar energy and the future of green technologies. The session aimed to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support the transition to a net zero economy.
Students explored E.ON’s range of sustainable technologies, including solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. They also gained hands-on experience with smart meters and EV chargers, enhancing their practical understanding of how these innovations align with their studies and the wider energy transition.
In addition to the practical workshops, students had the opportunity to engage with E.ON volunteers, discussing the broader topic of green skills. They asked insightful questions about environmental issues, the economic impact of fossil fuels, and the diverse career opportunities available within E.ON.
Paul Prescott, Electrical Installation Lecturer at Hugh Baird College, said:
The workshops enabled students to get an insight into the ever-changing electrical Industry, the associated growth areas for future employment and how they fit in with the Net Zero agenda. The interactive sessions not only broadened students' understanding of renewable technologies but also gave them a platform to engage directly with E.ON representatives, asking insightful questions about career pathways and apprenticeship routes. We are extremely grateful to E.ON for their continued support and collaboration, which is proving to be immensely beneficial for our students' development.
The learning doesn’t stop there. To further support students and staff, E.ON has provided optional e-learning modules. These modules complement the curriculum, enhancing technical knowledge related to the energy transition and strengthening learners' readiness for future green careers.
Amy Holbrook, Social Value Manager at E.ON UK, said:
It was great to see so many students, from various backgrounds attend our sessions at Hugh Baird College. They were all starting careers in electrical, plumbing or gas through apprenticeships and college courses. These are the foundation steps to so many careers, and it was great to see them get inspired by the stories we shared about the breadth of careers available in E.ON, in particular green/renewable jobs. I can’t wait to follow their journey over the next couple of years and see where they end up.
Stewart Hartshorne, Technical Training and Development Specialist at our Net Zero Training Academy, said:
More than 150 staff and students actively participated in the workshop, exploring potential opportunities for renewable technologies to advance our vision and business growth. They also gained valuable insights into the environmental impact of our current demographic context and future challenges.
The Net Zero Academy is dedicated to providing education and training for a highly skilled workforce, delivering social value on a national scale.
Those wishing to find out more about Hugh Baird College’s courses can do so via www.hughbaird.ac.uk/subject-area/construction-the-built-environment.
