MidKent College Courses to meet demand for skilled specialists in the Green Economy

MidKent College is stepping up to meet the growing demand for skilled specialists in the green economy, particularly those qualified to help the UK meet its decarbonisation targets. These jobs often command pay scales twice as high as those of other trades due to the shortage of workers, MidKent College has joined forces with two Kent councils to address the skills gap through a range of free courses on a first come, first served basis

Dave Owen, Green Solutions and Centre Lead, MidKent College Training Services said: “We are able to offer courses for free, thanks to our partnership with Sevenoaks and Tonbridge and Malling councils. This is a huge bonus for the local community. The funding means the college can cover the costs of these courses, making them accessible to those living or working within specific postcodes.” The courses aim to train additional qualified tradespeople and new entrants to the industry to support local decarbonisation efforts.

The majority of participants are expected to already be in the construction industry, looking to upskill. These courses are designed to elevate their existing qualifications enabling them to meet the technical demands of decarbonisation and net-zero targets.

Dave Owen said: “It’s a new industry where we will have skilled people going into homes and specifying exactly what is needed from a technical outlook.”

The majority of participants are expected to already be in the construction industry, looking to upskill. These courses are designed to elevate their existing qualifications enabling them to meet the technical demands of decarbonisation and net-zero targets. Dave Owen said: “It’s a new industry where we will have skilled people going into homes and specifying exactly what is needed from a technical outlook.” These courses will focus on high end qualifications and skills to develop professionals offering specific advice to homeowners'

ne ma or challenge is retrofitting older homes particularly those from the Victorian or Edwardian eras that may lack cavity walls. These homes often present unique challenges for insulation and energy efficiency upgrades. ne ma or challenge is retrofitting older homes particularly those from the Victorian or Edwardian eras that may lack cavity walls. These homes often present unique challenges for insulation and energy efficiency upgrades.

The courses will focus on providing high-end qualifications and skills to develop professionals capable of offering specific technical advice to homeowners.

Homeowners often face confusion about the best practices for energy efficiency and decarbonisation. MidKent College aims to demystify these complexities, offering clear and practical guidance. For example, even newly built houses, seemingly identical, can have varying energy needs based on factors like sun exposure. The college’s courses will prepare professionals to make these nuanced assessments and recommendations.

MidKent College’s courses range from basic trades training to advanced courses, including Level 5. Whether those who take part are installers engineers specifiers or designers the courses cater to a wide range of roles within the construction industry. The low-temperature hot water course, for instance, has attracted architects and structural engineers, enabling them to achieve CS icrogeneration Certification Scheme accreditation.

With a new government there is hope for more initiatives and funding to support green energy and construction. MidKent College is already poised to be a leader in this space, offering a comprehensive suite of retrofit courses in partnership with the retrofit academy. These range from introductory level courses to advanced level qualifications covering every aspect of retrofit assessment advice, and coordination.

The college has invested in state-of-the-art facilities to support these courses. There is a new building dedicated to practical skills teaching and a decarbonisation hub for theoretical courses. Through its own Net Zero project, MidKent college’s campuses feature sustainable technologies, such as boreholes for heating and solar PVT panels situated on top of car ports.

As the demand for Net Zero training grows, MidKent College is positioned to be at the forefront, ready to meet the needs of the Southeast and beyond with its innovative and community-focused approach to green economy education.