Bournemouth and Poole College has officially opened its new £1million Green Energy Centre to support skills training in renewable energy and sustainable practices.
It was opened by Tom Hayes MP, and the event was attended by other individuals and companies who have played a part in its development.
The purpose-built centre will give students, apprentices and employers the chance to train in solar power, electric vehicle charging, energy storage, heat pumps and other renewable systems.
Facilities include electrical bays for Solar PV and energy storage, as well as heat pump bays and training for rainwater harvesting.
The centre was developed in partnership with Quantum Group and designed with input from local employers to ensure the training meets industry needs. Its first programme, “Skills Bootcamp: Electrician Plus”, begins this month and will equip qualified electricians with new skills in EV charging, solar installation and energy storage.
Michael Lock, Director of Learning for Construction at Bournemouth and Poole College, said: “The Green Energy Centre is a landmark moment for the College and the wider region. It represents a long-term investment in skills, innovation, and economic resilience.”
Tom Hayes MP for Bournemouth East told Bournemouth One: “In my previous life as a councillor I brought forward lots of public private sector investment in green energy, and the key to unlocking those investments here in Bournemouth will be skills.
“So if younger people can get the skills they need to earn a good living, have a good job, and have a good way of life, that’s fantastic and I know this Green Energy Centre is going to deliver that.”
The launch comes as the UK clean energy workforce continues to grow at a much faster rate than the wider economy. Forecasts predict up to 725,000 new low-carbon jobs by 2030, creating significant demand for skilled workers.
The Green Energy Centre will serve as a hub for training, employer collaboration and green innovation, helping prepare the local workforce to play a leading role in the energy transition.
