Skip to content

GREEN SKILLS

Green skills are one of the fastest-growing areas of workforce demand and are essential for both environmental sustainability and economic resilience in the South West. We are committed to playing a leading role in meeting the challenges of climate change, ensuring that both individuals and businesses are equipped with the skills necessary to support the transition to a net-zero economy.

In 2021, City College Plymouth became the first college in the South West to declare a climate emergency, committing to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation.

Since then, we have continued to lead the way in green skills training, ensuring that our curriculum and industry partnerships align with local, regional, and national sustainability priorities.

Renewable energy and green technologies

Recognising the rapid growth of the renewable energy sector, we have made significant investments in electric vehicles to support practical training in EV maintenance. We have also expanded our Green Skills Centre, enhancing access to cutting-edge training in solar panel installation, electric vehicle charging point technology, battery storage, and hydrogen technologies.

Shaping the Green Skills strategy

In addition, we continue to work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure our training aligns with regional sustainability goals.

To further support the city’s green transition, we actively contribute to the Plymouth Green Skills Board and the Plymouth NetZero Executive Board, helping to shape the Plymouth Green Skills Action Plan. This initiative targets major carbon-producing industries, focusing on:

  • buildings – sustainable construction, maintenance, and retrofitting
  • power and heat – solar, hydrogen, heat network and heat pump technologies
  • mobility – electric vehicle charging infrastructure and smart transport solutions
  • waste management – environmental sustainability and circular economy practices.

By embedding these priorities into our curriculum and employer engagement strategy, we are ensuring that Plymouth remains at the forefront of green skills development.

Celtic Sea Offshore Wind project

As part of the Celtic Sea Offshore Wind project, the College is working closely with the Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) Accelerator to develop the workforce required to support this emerging industry. With a projected lifespan of over 25 years, the renewable energy sector will require skills in:

  • engineering and design – civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering expertise
  • construction and assembly – large-scale infrastructure and turbine manufacturing
  • operations and maintenance – ongoing servicing of offshore wind assets
  • decommissioning and sustainability – end-of-life management for renewable infrastructure.

The South West is uniquely positioned to benefit from the FLOW industry, with Plymouth playing a crucial role. The College has taken a proactive approach to ensure that engineering graduates access career opportunities by partnering with a local maritime provider to ensure students gain industry-recognised at-sea qualifications, develop transferable engineering and project management skills applicable to offshore wind projects and also access a pipeline of employment opportunities within the FLOW supply chain.

Action: Hydrogen and Future Green Skills Development

To further enhance our green skills provision, the College will:

  • introduce hydrogen training, engaging with employers to develop specialist upskilling programmes for this emerging sector in 2025/26
  • develop a partnership with at least one renewable energy firm in 2025/26, ensuring that our students have access to cutting-edge industry placements and job opportunities
  • by July 2026, the College will align at least five existing or new training programmes with national net-zero priorities by embedding green skills, low-carbon technologies, or sustainabilityfocused content, ensuring at least 300 students are enrolled in programmes that directly support the development of a sustainable future workforce for Plymouth and the wider region.

By prioritising sustainable skills development, employer engagement, and investment in green technologies, the College is not only preparing students for future-proofed careers but also ensuring Plymouth as a key hub for green and blue economy growth, ensuring long-term employment opportunities while driving national and international energy transition efforts.

Get in touch

Main Campus
City College Plymouth

Kings Road, Devonport, Plymouth, PL1 5QG

Give us a call on: 01752 305300

E-mail us at: info@cityplym.ac.uk