First-of-its-kind Renewable Technologies Training Hub opens at college
London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) is leading the drive towards a greener economy as it opens its Renewable Technologies Training Hub.
LSBTC is addressing a critical shortage in London and the south-east for tradespeople with the expertise to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy efficiency.
Part of the LSBU Group, which includes London South Bank University, the college provides apprenticeships, T-levels and training across a range of disciplines, including electric vehicle charging point installation, air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, solar thermal and solar panel (PV).
It is the first further education facility in England to have a ground source heat pump and borehole specifically for training. In 2023, LSBTC became one of the first colleges in the UK to deliver level 2 Retrofit and the level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician apprenticeship.
The Training Hub was opened by The Rt Hon Baroness Jacqui Smith of Malvern, Minister for Skills, who was given a tour of the facilities and met students and staff at the forefront of green skills development.
Baroness Smith said: "This Training Hub, alongside our £300 million investment through Great British Energy, demonstrates a real drive to create jobs, boost British industry and deliver on our commitment to a sustainable future.
"Through our Plan for Change we're equipping young people with the skills they need for the green jobs of tomorrow, breaking down barriers to opportunity and putting Britain at the cutting edge of the renewable energy industry."
The LSBTC initiative followed the launch of government-backed green apprenticeships that offer training in sustainability, referenced at the King’s coronation. It receives some funding from the London Skills Improvement Fund.
The college works closely with Kensa, which manufactures ground source heat pumps, and Quantum, which supplied the training bays.
Tim Weston, Director of Careers Pathways, South Bank Colleges, said: “The Pan London Local Skills Improvement Plan estimates that jobs in green priority sectors will more than double from 234,000 in 2020 to 505,000 in 2030, with increased demand for heat pump engineers, electric vehicle charging point installers and retrofit roles expected to contribute to significant growth.
“We have designed our green skills qualifications to future-proof careers. Our training opens doors to new opportunities in the booming green economy, helping professionals stay competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving market.”
Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, Deputy Council Leader (Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air), said: “I was delighted to visit the college and see first-hand how Lambeth is leading the charge towards a greener economy.
“We’re embracing ground source heat pump and other cleaner energy use in Lambeth. Getting our residents involved in this push is crucial.”
LSBTC’s students are already making their mark, with three of the college’s Low Carbon Heating apprentices excelling in the south-east region of the WorldSkills UK National Competition. Hannah Barrow won the regional heat and will go on to compete in the national finals, with her two colleagues finishing in the top five.