Fully funded green skills training opportunities

Scottish Borders 

Businesses in the Scottish Borders can benefit from FREE Retrofit Skills Training at Borders College thanks to funding obtained through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.

In collaboration with the Regional Social Landlords (RSL), Borders College has embarked on an exciting journey to develop and deliver Retrofit training programs. This initiative is a direct response to the pressing need for upskilling to decarbonise the housing stock within the borders region.

These courses are aimed at employees of social landlords and their subcontractors, as well as businesses based in the Scottish Borders. Course duration, venue and outcomes will vary depending on your needs.

Courses available

• Air source & Ground Source Heat Pumps Installation & Servicing (4 days)
• Electric Vehicle Charging (3 days)
• Heat Pumps Awareness – Advanced Intro (2 days)
• Heat Pumps – Basic Intro (1 day)
• Introduction to Domestic Retrofit (Basic) (1 day)
• Introduction to Domestic Retrofit (NOCN) (3 days)
• Introduction to Renewables (Electrical) (1 day)
• Introduction to Sustainable Construction (2 days)
• Mechanical Ventilation & Heat Recovery (1 day)
• Unvented Hot Water (1 day)

Find out more here.

Edinburgh and the Lothians 

Edinburgh College

Businesses based in Edinburgh and the Lothians can also benefit from FREE Green Skills training at Edinburgh College thanks to funding obtained through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Green Skills courses ensure current and future industry professionals gain up-to-date skills and qualifications sought by employers. Training is being delivered at the Renewables and Energy Efficiency Training Centre located on the Granton Campus. All courses are accepted by Competent Person’s Schemes (CPS) and Microgeneration Certification Schemes (MCS) registration bodies.

Courses available

• Heat Pump Systems NOS Mapped Air Source Ground Source
• Solar Thermal Systems (NOS Mapped)
• Awareness of Environmental Technologies

Find out more here.

The Energy Training Academy

Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) based in Midlothian can also apply for support from the Green Skills Programme for their staff to access a range of training in renewable and low energy technologies.

Delivered by The Energy Training Academy at their brand new Dalkeith facility, fully funded training is available for Midlothian-based heating engineers, electricians and plumbers.

A 27-week intensive training programme is also open for applications from unemployed people looking to set up their own business or pursue roles in the industry. In addition to gaining qualifications, successful participants will be assigned a fully paid work placement with a local heating firm.

Courses available:

• Solar PV & Battery Storage
• Air Source Heat Pump (Level 3)
• Managed Learning Programme in Low Carbon Technology

Find out more here.

West Lothian College

Businesses in West Lothian can benefit from free green skills training through West Lothian College’s Economic Development Fund, delivered in partnership with West Lothian Council.

Based at the college’s innovative ECOHOUSE training centre, these green skills and sustainable construction courses aim to meet ever-changing industry needs, help create high value green jobs and put West Lothian at the heart of sustainable development.

Courses available:

• Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps
• Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems
• Hybrid Electric Vehicle Repair & Replacement

Find out more here.

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway-based firms meeting Minimal Financial Assistance requirements can secure fully-funded access to a range of courses at Dumfries and Galloway College’s Net Zero Skills Centre thanks to the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.

The college is committed to facilitating expert business advice and support programmes at local and regional level, including support for decarbonisation, climate adaptation and circular economy advice.

Courses available:

• BPEC Heat Pump Systems
• BPEC Solar Thermal Domestic Hot Water Systems
• Level 2-5 Awards in Domestic Retrofit, Coordination and Risk Management
• Net Zero Nation Accelerator

Find out more here.

Central Lowlands

Forth Valley College

Funding is available to individuals and organisations (1-250 employees in size) based in the Falkirk council municipal area to access a range of courses at Forth Valley College’s Renewable & Energy Efficiency Training Centre.

There is no specific cash limit for training. Only one qualification per individual can be covered, but this can consist of multiple components if required.

Courses available:

• Domestic Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps
• Water Byelaws/Water Regulations
• Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems (Unvented)
• Solar Thermal Hot Water
• Solar Photovoltaic Systems, NOS Mapped
• Awareness of Environmental Technologies

For further information about available courses and the application process, please contact Graham Martin, Commercial Growth Officer at Forth Valley College: Graham.Martin@forthvalley.ac.uk

The Highlands

UHI Inverness

50 funded places are available on UHI Inverness’ BPEC Heat Pumps at their recently upgraded renewables centre.

The Highland Council, with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is inviting Highland businesses to apply for funding (on a first come, first served basis) to their People and Skills – Skills Challenge Fund to support the costs of green skills training for their workforce.