On Tuesday 12th April 2022 we officially open the UK’s first NetZero Training Hub at City of Portsmouth College.

Business leaders, MP’s and other stakeholders all joined us at our hub in Harbourgate to tour our brand-new training facilities and learn about the UK’s sustainability skills gap. Andrew Waggott, Energy Services Manager at Portsmouth City discussed why employers should be getting behind the decarbonisation programme and the growth opportunities available to businesses in net zero. Attendees also found out how City of Portsmouth College and NetZero Training will be supporting the UK’s Net Zero targets through an onsite learning hub, dedicated to training and upgrading skills in sustainable technologies.

To meet the UK’s commitment to being net zero by 2050, the City of Portsmouth College and Portsmouth City Council has partnered with newly launched enterprise NetZero Training, to build capacity and capability in sustainable skills in the local community with the first ever NetZero Training Hub. The initiative is the first of many to be rolled out across the UK and will see the creation of thousands of new jobs around the installation of green technologies.

The NetZero Training Hub incorporates Foundation courses to introduce people to the opportunities within the Green Economy, as well as qualifications in Building Fabric (insulation and ventilation) Heat, Power and Retrofit. The Hub benefits from close relationships with local employers and key technology manufacturers such as Vaillant, Sunamp RWC, Powervault, Hypervolt, K Systems and AirEx Technologies.

Business leaders, MP’s and other stakeholders all joined us at our hub in Harbourgate to tour our brand-new training facilities and learn about the UK’s sustainability skills gap. Andrew Waggott, Energy Services Manager at Portsmouth City discussed why employers should be getting behind the decarbonisation programme and the growth opportunities available to businesses in net zero. Attendees also found out how City of Portsmouth College and NetZero Training will be supporting the UK’s Net Zero targets through an onsite learning hub, dedicated to training and upgrading skills in sustainable technologies.

Commenting on the launch of the NetZero Training Hub, Katy Quinn, Principal and CEO of City of Portsmouth College said: “The challenge ahead means that we need to urgently create an army of green sustainability experts – those with skills in new carbon neutral technologies such as air source heat pump installation and other clean heat technologies. This new curriculum is one of the first to offer employment led education.”

The launch of the inaugural NetZero Training Hub has been made possible with funding from Portsmouth City Council, as part of its Climate Emergency Strategy. The Council’s first priority is property, and its Energy and Water Strategy sets out to ensure all homes in Portsmouth are as energy and water efficient as possible.

Andrew Waggott, Energy Manager of Portsmouth City Council, comments: “With such a major shift in the way we provide heat and power to properties, there is an urgent need for the development of new skills to install and maintain new technologies and today’s announcement sets Portsmouth at the forefront of meeting that skills shortage.”

Leading the NetZero Training programme are an experienced team of academics including Mick Brophy and Kevin Lewis, having over 60 years between them in creating Academies in the automotive, renewable and engineering sectors to create capability and meet local demand.

Mick Brophy comments: “Developing and delivering the curriculum at speed is only part of the NetZero Training solution – we have been working with employers to ensure that we can signpost learners to green skills and green technology opportunities – creating a sustainable green economy.”

Recently launching amongst local employers, the NetZero training hub will welcome its first cohort of students in May 2022.