Developed by Quantum and assured by NOCN. The course builds on practical training already delivered nationally to college tutors. For the first time, those completing the programme will receive formal NOCN certification, giving them recognised evidence of their learning and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Why renewable technology training matters

The need for skilled people across renewable and low-carbon technologies is growing rapidly. The government estimates that the workforce supporting low-carbon heat and energy-efficient buildings will need to grow from around 66,000 people in 2023 to 248,000 by 2030. It also identifies a shortage of qualified tutors as one of the barriers to meeting that demand, making high-quality teacher training an essential part of developing the workforce the sector will need.

Giving tutors the confidence to teach new technologies

As the UK moves towards cleaner energy, colleges and training providers have an important role to play in preparing people for new and emerging careers.

But that preparation starts with tutors. They need the technical knowledge, practical understanding and confidence to translate renewable technologies into practical, hands-on learning that is transferable to industry.

The new course supports current and aspiring trainers to strengthen their understanding of renewable technologies and turn that knowledge into effective, engaging teaching.

Learning that isn’t tied to one manufacturer

Renewable technology training is often based around a particular product or system. While this has its place, tutors also need to understand the common scientific principles that apply across different manufacturers and types of equipment.

Tutors explore the common scientific principles, safety requirements and teaching points behind these technologies.

The course covers:

• Air source heat pumps
• Ground source heat pumps
• Solar thermal systems
• Solar PV
• Electric vehicle charging
• Battery storage

This gives them a stronger foundation from which to explain technical differences and adapt their teaching to the equipment available in their own centre.

Adapting to different training environments

Every college is different. Equipment, facilities and manufacturers vary, so the course has been designed to work across a range of training environments.

Tutors learn how to map different systems to the same learning outcomes; identify the equipment they need and adapt demonstrations where facilities differ.

Health, safety and compliance are also central to the programme, covering areas including electrical safety, safe isolation, F-Gas awareness, thermal system risks, battery safety and carrying our risk assessments.

Supporting tutors means supporting more learners

The impact of investing in a tutor reaches far beyond one person and what tutors learn shapes what every learner after them experiences. The confidence and understanding they develop will shape the experience of every learner they go on to teach.

By strengthening knowledge at trainer level, colleges can improve the quality and consistency of renewable technology education and help more learners develop skills that meet the needs of a changing industry.

The course is suitable for existing and aspiring trainers, as well as those looking to strengthen their approach to learner and workforce development in the clean green energy sector.

Find out more about the NOCN Train the Trainer Renewable Technologies Assured Course.