The launch brought together leaders in education, industry, and civic society, including Barnsley MP Dan Jarvis, who reflected on the town’s industrial past and future direction. “Once a powerhouse of coal, Barnsley is now becoming a powerhouse of energy conservation, helping create the skills needed for a cleaner, greener future,” he said.

Designed as a permanent, purpose-built facility, the centre addresses growing employer demand for retrofit and clean energy expertise. At its heart are specialist training bays, created in partnership with Quantum Group, which replicate real-world industry settings. Learners gain hands-on experience using modern systems, materials, and technology, ensuring the skills they develop are directly aligned with current industry practice.

NOCN Group and Quantum Training have been working in partnership to develop renewable energy qualifications that are directly informed by industry practice, ensuring learners train in environments that reflect how systems are installed, maintained and assessed in the workplace.

During the event, Barnsley College CEO David Akeroyd shared his view on the project’s evolution: “This flagship facility brings future-ready skills into our region. It supports learners at every stage of their careers while providing employers with a pipeline of skilled, job-ready talent to aid the transition to net zero.”

The centre reinforces Barnsley College’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. With Gold Carbon Literacy status and recognition through Green Gown Awards, the college continues to prioritise climate-focused education and environmental responsibility.

“Green is not just a colour, it’s a new world,” said Jonathan Inglesfield, Head of Construction at the college, emphasising how retrofit and clean energy training are now central to construction education. These skills reflect national priorities around decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and improving housing stock.

The Quantum Group-designed bays are equipped with industry-standard technology, supported by manufacturing partners EWI Pro, Kensa and GivEnergy. Their collaboration ensures learners train on the same systems and equipment used by employers, providing real-world, commercially relevant experience.

NOCN Group has worked closely with Barnsley College and its industry partners to align qualifications with the new facilities and workforce needs. Laura Randall, Head of Business Development at NOCN Group, said: “This centre demonstrates the power of strong commercial partnerships. By embedding qualifications into the facilities from the outset, learners gain recognised outcomes that reflect real-world skills and employer expectations.”

The opening of South Yorkshire’s first Clean Energy Training Centre highlights the benefits of strategic collaboration between education, industry and awarding organisations. By equipping learners with industry-ready skills, supporting regional growth and nurturing a greener workforce, Barnsley College is helping power the transition to a low-carbon future.

For a full list of green skills qualifications offered by NOCN Group, visit NOCN Green Skills Qualifications.