Students at South Bank Colleges gained valuable insight into the technology driving the UK's transition to greener heating, thanks to a specialist masterclass delivered by renewable energy experts Kensa.

South Bank Colleges recently welcomed representatives from Kensa, a leading British manufacturer of ground source heat pumps, for an industry-led masterclass designed to bring students closer to the technologies and practical skills shaping the future of sustainable heating.

The session gave Green Skills students an opportunity to explore how modern heat pump systems work, develop their technical understanding and learn directly from an industry professional with specialist knowledge of low-carbon heating technology.

Exploring the Technology Behind Greener Heating

As the UK works towards reducing carbon emissions, the demand for skilled professionals who can install, maintain and repair energy-efficient heating systems is becoming increasingly important.

Ground source heat pumps are one of the technologies helping to support this transition. Rather than generating heat by burning fossil fuels, these systems extract naturally occurring heat from the ground and use electricity to raise it to a temperature suitable for heating buildings and providing hot water.

During the masterclass, students were introduced to Kensa's Shoebox NX, a compact ground source heat pump designed for use in homes and residential developments.

The presentation explored the science and engineering behind the system, including the relationship between temperatures, pressures and the movement of heat through its internal circuits.

Students were able to see how different components work together to deliver efficient heating, connecting their classroom learning with the technical principles used in real-world installations.

Understanding Maintenance and Fault Diagnosis

An important part of the session focused on the practical knowledge required to maintain and troubleshoot heat pump systems.

Using detailed technical diagrams and examples, the Kensa specialist explained the function of key components, including internal circulation pumps, capacitors, pressure sensors, temperature probes and electronic control boards.

The presentation also explored common maintenance issues, the identification of faulty components and the importance of understanding a system's electrical connections.

For students preparing for careers in building services engineering, plumbing, heating and renewable energy, this provided an insight into the technical challenges that professionals encounter in the workplace.

It also demonstrated how traditional engineering and electrical skills are increasingly being applied to newer, more sustainable technologies.

Connecting Education with Industry

Industry engagement is an important part of the learning experience at South Bank Colleges.

By welcoming employers and technical specialists into the classroom, the college helps students understand how their developing skills relate to real jobs, professional standards and emerging opportunities.

Masterclasses such as Kensa's also allow students to encounter the equipment, terminology and working practices used by experienced engineers, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment.

As the construction and building services sectors continue to embrace low-carbon solutions, these connections become even more valuable.

For students, learning from the people developing and supporting this technology offers a clearer understanding of the skills employers need and the career pathways available within the growing green economy.

Supporting the Next Generation of Green Skills Professionals

South Bank Colleges is committed to equipping students with the knowledge, confidence and practical abilities needed to succeed in industries that are adapting to meet the environmental challenges of the future.

Working alongside companies such as Kensa helps ensure that technical education remains connected to developments taking place across the sector.

South Bank Colleges would like to extend its sincere thanks to Kensa and its visiting specialist for delivering such an informative masterclass, sharing valuable industry expertise and supporting the development of the next generation of green skills professionals.

Partnerships between education and industry play an essential role in creating opportunities for students, supporting workforce development and helping build a more sustainable future.