The college officially opened its new £1 million Green Energy Centre, on Friday, 12th September. The centre is a landmark investment designed to meet the growing demand for renewable energy skills and training.
The state-of-the-art facility will deliver practical, industry-focused training in renewable technologies, equipping students, apprentices, and local employers with the expertise needed to support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Between 2020 and 2022, the clean energy workforce grew more than five times faster than overall UK employment, and with up to 725,000 new low-carbon jobs forecast by 2030, the demand for skilled workers has never been greater.
Investing in the Future of Energy
Michael Lock, Director of Learning for Construction at Bournemouth and Poole College, described the opening as a pivotal moment for both the institution and the region:
“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. By equipping students, apprentices, and employers with the expertise required in renewable technologies, we are directly enhancing local and national workforce capability.”
Developed in partnership with Quantum Group, the new centre features state-of-the-art training bays that replicate real-world operating conditions. Facilities include Electrical Bays for Solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging systems, alongside dedicated Heat Pump Bays for the installation and maintenance of air source heat pumps. Additional systems, such as rainwater harvesting, also form part of the training environment.
Tailored to Industry Needs
The Green Energy Centre’s curriculum has been designed in collaboration with local employers to ensure training aligns with industry requirements. Its first programme, Skills Bootcamp: Electrician Plus, launches this month, covering EV charging installation, solar PV systems, and energy storage solutions to upskill qualified electricians. Graduates will gain the qualifications needed for Electrician Plus registration, boosting the availability of skilled workers in critical infrastructure sectors.
A Regional Hub for Innovation
Positioned as a hub for green innovation and workforce development, the centre strengthens Bournemouth and Poole College’s role as a leader in technical education. By bridging the skills gap, it aims to support businesses, the community, and the broader transition toward sustainable energy solutions.