London South Bank Technical College recently welcomed the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) Skills Alliance for a national meeting bringing together more than 50 manufacturers and employers from across the refrigeration industry.
The event provided an opportunity for industry professionals to connect, share knowledge and see the facilities and clean energy training taking place at London South Bank Technical College.
Bringing industry and education closer together
Strong links with industry are an important part of technical education, helping learners understand how the skills they develop in college connect to real workplaces and future careers.
The refrigeration industry has an important role to play in the development of clean energy technologies. Refrigerants are used in systems including air source, air to air and ground source heat pumps, making specialist skills increasingly relevant to the transition towards more sustainable energy solutions.
London South Bank Technical College is committed to working closely with industry to ensure its technical education remains connected to current and emerging skills needs.
Developing clean energy skills
The college has been recognised as one of just five Clean Energy Technical Excellence Colleges in the country, supporting its focus on developing skills for the UK's growing clean energy sector.
Hosting the IOR Skills Alliance meeting provided an opportunity to showcase the college's facilities and demonstrate how technical education can work alongside industry to support the development of future skills.
Closer relationships with manufacturers and employers can also create opportunities for learners to engage directly with industry professionals through activities such as masterclasses, industry visits and access to specialist equipment.
Creating opportunities for learners
For students studying technical subjects, connections with employers and industry organisations can provide valuable insight into the careers available to them.
By bringing industry closer to the learning environment, students can develop a better understanding of how their technical knowledge and practical skills could be applied in the workplace.
The college will continue to build relationships with industry partners as it develops its clean energy provision, helping learners gain the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to progress into future careers.
Through strong industry partnerships, London South Bank Technical College is helping connect technical education with the skills needed for the future of clean energy.
