A set of eight new renewable courses have been launched at Forth Valley College’s Renewable and Energy Efficiency Training Centre in Falkirk.
The wide range of short courses - linked to sustainable energy - offer training in the essential skills of installing and maintaining energy saving systems, skills that have never been more important as Scotland looks to achieve its net zero target.
The eight new courses are:
- Electrical Vehicle Charging
- Domestic Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Domestic Solar Photovoltaic
- Solar Thermal Hot Water
- Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater Recycling
- Awareness of Environmental Technologies
- Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems
- Water Byelaws/Water Regulations (one day).
Alistair McKean, FVC’s Training and Business Development Manager, said: “There is a growing demand for heat pump installers and new research from consulting giant EY has found that there are only around 1,200 qualified heat pump installers in the UK, while almost 10,000 will be required by 2025. And according to Solar Energy UK, installations of solar panels are on the increase as well, so there is a big need for skilled tradesmen and women in this sector. The demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) is also expected to grow rapidly, enabling people to switch to zero emission vehicles, and this will also require ready access to convenient and reliable EV charging infrastructure and training.
“Forth Valley College believe that these eight new courses are essential to upskill tradesmen and women and give them the vital knowledge they will need to install, maintain and operate current sustainable energy systems. Our renewables training facilities at our Falkirk Campus are unique and custom built to include a realistic working environment and simulated the workplace and will give those completing the course a comprehensive understanding of the new technology used to generate energy in today’s society.”
For more information on the requirements for applying, course fees and booking details, please visit Renewable Energy | Forth Valley College
FVC successfully tapped into a £500,000 fund created by Scottish Power Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund and overseen by the Energy Skills Partnership (ESP), to officially open their Renewable and Energy Efficiency Training Centre in June 2021.
FVC have taken centre stage as one of nine colleges committed to establishing ‘Renewable & Energy Efficiency Training Centres’ across central and southern Scotland and driving the college sector’s efforts to help reduce carbon footprints and enhance the nation’s renewable energy sector.
This specialist kit of renewable equipment has enabled the College to set up its innovative renewables workshop to deliver energy efficiency training to the plumbing and construction Industry. This new facility is helping train the professional tradespeople needed to maintain and install low carbon heating systems that are rapidly becoming the norm, rather than the exception in Scotland.
ESP is a collaboration of Scotland’s colleges and industry partners established to increase Scotland’s capability and capacity to deliver the right skills for the energy, engineering and construction sectors to meet industry demand.
Along with Scottish Power Energy Networks who are working to enhance and establish the training centres in nine colleges, who have been working together as members of the Energy Efficiency Training Network.
The project has supported significant capital investment in renewable and energy efficiency training equipment, staff training and continuing professional development in current and emerging technologies, as well as supporting overall curriculum development.
The development of this project has cemented key industry partnerships for the colleges, positioning them at the forefront of training for the future renewables and energy efficiency workforce in Scotland.