Brighter Green Futures with South Thames College Group, Solar Energy UK & OCN London
OCN London were delighted to have recently collaborated with South Thames College Group and Solar Energy UK on developing a new solar skills training programme, designed to meet the entry level skills expectations of employers across the UK. Across the UK, the solar industry is expanding rapidly as the nation transforms into a sustainable energy economy. Over the next decade, the industry is expected to generate 60,000 jobs, and the Mayor of London has set a target for solar deployment in London, meaning that many of these opportunities would be situated in the capital. The aim of this training programme is to expand the capital’s solar energy sector by increasing the number of registered solar installers and supporting the creation of additional green jobs by providing professional opportunities for the next generation and beyond.
South Thames Colleges Group and Solar Energy UK started this project with support from the Mayor of London to directly address employer skills demands, and OCN London were delighted to be invited to work alongside them to design the curriculum and develop training materials for the course. Our team were involved in the development of the 30-hour Introduction to Solar Technology bootcamp training course, as well as in the development of the 60-hour bootcamp training course on the relevant Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) solar technology and energy storage installation standards. As the programme evolved, we received meaningful and valuable feedback from employers, Solar Energy UK and MCS. As a result, South Thames Colleges Group and Solar Energy UK now offer learners in London the opportunity to take part in bootcamp training courses as preparation for a career in renewable energy.
South Thames College Groups’ Vice Principal of HE and Partnerships, Stella Raphael-Reeves, is a keen advocate of collaborative problem solving to address skills shortages in the green sector. Stella said,
South Thames Colleges Group are delighted to be working alongside Solar Energy UK, MCS and OCN London. We have collaborated to produce a 6 Week Solar Skills Bootcamp of which we are planning to roll out nationally in the next few months. It has been a pleasure pulling together such a valuable Solar Skills Bootcamp to enhance knowledge of the Solar Industry and to work to support people into new career pathways, Apprenticeships in the Solar Industry and as importantly to meet the national skills gaps for this industry.
Speaking of the development of the resources and material, Solar Energy UK said,
It was a pleasure working with OCN on curriculum material that will be used to help train the next generation of solar industry professionals. The solar sector is booming, and Solar Skills London is a fantastic example of how industry, the education sector, and government can collaborate to realise the UK’s clean energy potential.
Solar skills development is a crucial component of Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Accelerated Green plan to reach 1.5 gigawatts of installed solar capacity by 2030 and two gigawatts by 2050. It will also help the mayor achieve his aim of achieving London net-zero by 2030.
If you are interested in finding out more about our curriculum and resources development projects or would like to discuss developing and delivering your own qualifications in partnership with OCN London, please get in touch at enquiries@ocnlondon.org.uk.
