London South Bank Technical College has officially opened its brand-new Renewable Technologies Training Hub at the Nine Elms campus - the first facility of its kind in the country to feature a live ground source heat pump and borehole for student training.
The hub was formally opened by The Rt Hon Baroness Jacqueline Smith of Malvern, Minister of State for Skills, who unveiled the facility's plaque after touring the borehole site and green skills workshops. She met with staff and students at the forefront of green skills development, praising the initiative as a cornerstone for equipping learners with the tools to thrive in the green economy.
Leading the way on net zero skills
Part of the LSBU Group, LSBTC is tackling the critical shortage of tradespeople with the expertise to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy efficiency across London and the South East. The college already delivers apprenticeships, T Levels, and training in electric vehicle charging, air and ground source heat pumps, solar panels, retrofit, and building services. In 2023, it became one of the first UK colleges to deliver entry-level retrofit and air source heat pump courses.
The new training hub has been supported by the London Skills Improvement Fund and follows the launch of government-backed green apprenticeships, highlighted during the King’s coronation. The college worked closely with Kensa, the UK’s leading manufacturer of ground source heat pumps, which provided the borehole system, and with Quantum, which supplied the specialist training bays.
Partnership, innovation, and opportunity
Opening the event, Paul Kett, Vice Chancellor of the London South Bank University Group, praised the hub as a shining example of innovation and collaboration:
“This facility shows what can be achieved when universities, colleges, employers and government work together. It’s not just about bricks and mortar – it’s about investing in people, their futures, and in the skills our economy so urgently needs. I’m proud to see our group leading the way.”
In her remarks, Fiona Morey, Executive Principal of South Bank Colleges, spoke about how the project evolved: “What started as plans for a joinery workshop became a unique facility aligned to national priorities. Working with awarding bodies and employers, we are now the largest provider of building services apprenticeships in England – training 21% of all apprentices in this field.”
Wouter Thijssen, Commercial Director of Kensa, emphasised the importance of linking live technology with education: “This is the kind of system already being deployed in homes and flats across the UK. Ensuring the workforce is trained to install and maintain these technologies is critical – and what’s happening here is exactly how we build that future.”
Student voices
Guests also heard from Connie, a green skills apprentice, who described the breadth of her training – from plumbing and electrics to solar PV and heat pumps – and reflected on her experience as one of the few women pioneering a career in the trades. “The future really is renewable,” she said, urging more young people to see apprenticeships as a pathway into careers that matter for both industry and the planet.
Looking ahead
Tim Weston, Director of Career Pathways at South Bank Colleges, underlined the significance of the hub:
“The Pan-London Local Skills Improvement Plan estimates that jobs in green priority sectors will more than double from 234,000 in 2020 to 505,000 in 2030. Demand for heat pump engineers, EV charging point installers, and retrofit roles will drive much of that growth. Our green skills qualifications are designed to future-proof careers, opening doors to opportunities in the booming green economy.”
Students are already making their mark, with three Low Carbon Heating apprentices excelling in the South East region of the WorldSkills UK National Competition. One student, Hannah, won the regional heat and will go on to compete in the national finals, while two others finished in the top five.
National recognition
Reflecting on the significance of the opening, Baroness Smith said:
“The challenges we face – climate change, the energy transition, economic transformation – are significant. But with them come enormous opportunities. Facilities like this show how London, and the UK, can lead the race to net zero by equipping learners with the skills to build the greener economy of tomorrow.”
A milestone for South London and beyond
The opening marked more than just the launch of a facility: it was a celebration of innovation, partnership, and the belief that education and training can transform lives. With students, staff, employers, and government working together, Nine Elms has become a model for the skills system of the future.
