Hull College is opening a landmark new £5m engineering and green technology training centre to equip the next generation of engineering talent for careers across the Humber’s rapidly evolving industrial economy
The state-of-the-art facility, called Greenwave, will further strengthen the college’s position as one of the UK’s leading providers of technical education in engineering, advanced manufacturing and green technologies.
Opening this September at the main city centre campus, Greenwave will feature facilities and specialist equipment focused on advanced engineering, hydrogen technologies, carbon capture, renewable energy, heat pumps, electric vehicles and sustainable construction.
The growing importance of green skills education
The centre, which has been made possible through £5m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, forms a key part of the college’s long-term ambition to establish itself as a world-class leader in green skills education, technical training and workforce development.
The college’s successful funding bid was supported by 29 industry partners from across the Humber, reflecting widespread confidence in its vision for developing the region’s future workforce.
Greenwave will further expand the college’s ability to deliver industry-led training aligned to the Humber’s growing demand for skills in advanced manufacturing, offshore wind, hydrogen, decarbonisation, carbon capture, sustainable construction and future energy technologies.
The facilities and specialist equipment within the centre will include:
- Specialist welding equipment linked to carbon capture infrastructure
- Hydrogen fuel cell training technology
- Wind turbine and renewable energy technology simulators
- Air source and ground source heat pump training systems
- Solar PV and solar thermal training equipment
- Smart building and energy efficiency technologies
Reflecting real life working scenarios
Designed to reflect the technologies being adopted across modern industry, Greenwave will give learners practical experience using the equipment and systems increasingly found across engineering, manufacturing, energy and industrial workplaces.
Greenwave will also support the continued expansion of curriculum pathways from entry level through to higher education, enabling learners to progress into rewarding careers while helping employers develop the highly skilled engineering workforce needed for the industries of tomorrow.
Debra Gray CBE, principal and CEO of Hull College, said: “The opening of Greenwave will be hugely significant, not only for Hull College and learners, but for employers and the wider Humber region.
“The Humber is leading the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy and the demand for highly skilled people has never been greater. Our role is to ensure people across the region have access to outstanding facilities, industry-led training and clear pathways into the careers that will shape the future, aligned with national priorities.
“Greenwave is a visible demonstration of our commitment to investing in the very best learning environments and ensuring our curriculum continues to evolve alongside industry. From Entry Level through to Higher Education, learners will be able to develop the knowledge and technical skills employers are looking for now – and will be in the future.
Ensuring engineering talent is equipped with the right skills for the industry
Greenwave has been welcomed by Hull and East Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (HEY LSIP), which was set up by the government and brings together employers and training providers to ensure current and future engineering workers are equipped with the skills and attributes needed across the region’s key sectors.
Rod Chambers, project lead for HEY LSIP, stated: “It’s fantastic news that Hull College is again moving forward with major investment which will provide big opportunities for people to learn and master the skills that employers need as they work to strengthen our region’s position as a leader in green energy.
He concluded: “The whole green skills sector has been identified by HEY LSIP and its partners as something which is vital to all businesses. Hull College is a key partner of the LSIP, holding a place on our board and playing a significant part in our activities and events, and we see the Greenwave training centre as an exciting addition to the facilities.”
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