A Complete Guide to Costs, Installation, and Funding
Introduction
The UK’s transition to net-zero by 2050 demands a workforce skilled in low-carbon heating, retrofit, and renewable technologies. Further Education (FE) colleges play a crucial role in delivering these green skills, but many lack the specialist training facilities needed to prepare students for careers in sustainable construction.
This guide explains:
- Why FE colleges need green skills training centres
- Key training bays to install (heat pumps, solar, electrical ecosystem, retrofit bays)
- Costs & installation process
- Government & private funding options
1. Why FE Colleges Must Invest in Green Skills Training
A. The UK’s Green Skills Shortage
The UK faces a critical skills gap in low-carbon technologies. According to the Climate Change Committee (CCC), the country needs hundreds of thousands of trained workers in:
- Heat pump installation (required for 600,000 annual installations by 2028)
- Retrofitting (to upgrade 29 million homes by 2050)
- Solar PV & battery storage (key for renewable energy expansion)
FE colleges that invest in hands-on training bays will:
- Attract more students (high demand for green jobs)
- Secure government funding (grants for net-zero training)
- Partner with employers (construction firms need skilled workers)
B. Policy Drivers: Net-Zero & the Green Jobs Plan
The UK Green Jobs Taskforce and Net Zero Strategy mandate vocational training in green skills.
Key policies affecting FE colleges:
- The Skills for Jobs White Paper (prioritises green skills in FE)
2. Key Training Bays for Green Skills Centres
Quantum Group installs industry-standard training bays in FE colleges, including:
| Training Bay | Skills Covered | Why It’s Needed |
| Air Source Heat Pump Bay | Installation, maintenance, fault-finding | UK needs 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028 |
| Ground Source Heat Pump Bay | Installation, maintenance, fault-finding | Critical for large-scale decarbonisation |
| Solar PV & Battery Storage Bay | Installation, maintenance, fault-finding | Solar workforce must triple to meet 2035 targets |
| Retrofit Training Bay | Insulation, ventilation, PAS 2035 compliance | 29 million homes need retrofitting |
3. Installation Steps
A. Installation Steps
- Needs Assessment: Identify skills gaps in your region.
- Partnerships: Work with Quantum Training and The NOCN Group for accredited courses.
- Site Preparation: Ensure availability of space, power, and waste pipes etc for training bays.
- Training & Handover: Staff upskilling for new equipment.
4. Funding Options for FE Colleges
A. Government Grants
- Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) – Potential continuation for regional green training hubs.
B. Industry & Private Funding
- Low Carbon Heating Apprenticeships (funded by Heat Training Grant)
- Renewable Energy Companies (sponsorships from Octopus Energy, EDF, etc.)
5. How to Choose the Right Green Skills Training Bays for Your College
At Quantum Training, we specialise in building tailor-made low-carbon and retrofit training bays designed to give students a real, hands-on learning experience. Every installation is built around the needs of the college, the local economy, and the skills gaps identified in the region. Choosing the right training bays is about making sure your investment directly supports learners while also meeting employer demand.
A. Assess Local Employer Needs
The first step is to identify which technologies are most relevant to your region. Colleges should engage with local construction firms, retrofit coordinators, and energy providers to understand where the workforce shortages lie. For example, many regions are reporting an urgent demand for qualified Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) installers, so prioritising ASHP or Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) bays can give learners a direct route into employment.
B. Match Training Bays to Accredited Courses
Training facilities should always link back to qualifications that are nationally recognised. All of Quantum’s bays are designed to align with the NOCN Group courses and PAS 2035 requirements ensuring colleges can deliver accredited training that prepares learners for real work opportunities. For instance, a retrofit bay focused on fabric-first teaching must meet the same quality benchmarks used in industry projects.
C. Consider Scalability and Future Technologies
The green skills sector is evolving quickly, and colleges need facilities that can adapt. Quantum designs modular, scalable bays that can be expanded or updated as new technologies emerge. Whether it’s solar PV, EV charging, or insulation systems, our bays are built with future growth in mind.
Key Takeaway
The right training bays not only attract students but also strengthen partnerships with employers by delivering the exact skills they need. With Quantum’s expertise, FE colleges can be confident their facilities are fit for purpose, aligned with local demand, and ready for the future.
6. Overcoming Common Challenges in Green Skills Training
Setting up a green skills training centre is an essential step for FE colleges, but it comes with challenges that can feel daunting. The good news is that with the right strategy, support, and partnerships, these barriers can be turned into opportunities for growth.
A. High Upfront Costs
Installing retrofit and low-carbon training bays requires investment, and many colleges face budget constraints. The solution is to phase installations, starting with one or two bays that cover the most in-demand technologies, such as Air Source Heat Pumps or insulation. Colleges can also access government funding streams like the Skills Bootcamps programme and Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), which support low-carbon training infrastructure. This phased approach allows colleges to scale facilities gradually without overstretching budgets.
B. Lack of Trained Tutors
One of the biggest bottlenecks is the shortage of qualified instructors with real-world retrofit and renewable experience. Without skilled tutors, even the best facilities cannot deliver impact. That is why colleges should partner with providers like Quantum, who offer train-the-trainer programmes that are part of our training facility installations focused on airtightness, ventilation, retrofit, and PAS 2035 standards. Quantum have also devised Skills Bootcamps that train industry experts into teaching roles. By equipping existing staff with the latest knowledge, colleges can grow their in-house capacity while staying aligned with industry needs.
C. Student Awareness and Recruitment
Green skills courses are still relatively new, and many young learners are unaware of the career opportunities. Colleges can increase uptake by building strong outreach programmes with local schools, job centres, and employers. Promoting the earning potential helps students and parents see the value of these pathways. Real-life case studies from alumni can also boost visibility, and innovative new apps such as the Green Skills Coaching App by start up Get Zero can also help
D. Keeping Content Updated
The retrofit and renewable sector evolves quickly, with regular changes to standards like PAS 2035 and updates from the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), the Climate Change Committee (CCC), and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Colleges should plan to refresh curriculum every year, and should look to upgrade training bays whenever industry requires it. This will ensure that learners are always trained on current technologies and best practice.
Key Takeaway
Challenges like costs, staffing, and recruitment are real, but they can be overcome. With careful planning, strategic funding, and trusted partners like Quantum, colleges can build resilient green skills training centres that meet today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s workforce.
7. Case Study: Successful Green Skills Centres delivered by Quantum Training
At Quantum Training, we work closely with colleges to design and deliver facilities that meet real industry demand. Every installation is a complete learning environment that helps tutors teach with confidence and gives students hands-on experience with the technologies driving the UK’s net zero transition. Below are three examples of how our partnerships with FE colleges are turning green skills strategies into practical outcomes.
Northampton College
Installed ASHP, Electrical Ecosystem and Retrofit Training bays, and a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) Demo Unit. By combining practical equipment with flexible learning spaces, Northampton College can offer courses that mirror real-world green technologies and working practices.
They are now working with local employers like Castle Climate Control and Thorn Electrical to offer master classes and curriculum development, as well as with large manufacturers like Daikin UK who’s heat pumps are featured in the new centre.
Cornwall College
Installed ASHP, Solar Thermal, Electrical Ecosystem and Ground Source Heat Pump training bays. These training bays will form the core of Cornwall College’s Green Construction Skills Academies, supporting a wide range of courses and apprenticeships, including the new Low Carbon Technician Apprenticeship and Level 3 Upskill courses for industry professionals.
The facilities will also be used for outreach, giving local Year 10 students a chance to see renewable technologies in action and explore career opportunities in the green sector. By having 2x dedicated campuses to Green Construction, Cornwall College is creating a region-wide training offer that will support learners, employers, and the wider community.
Reading College – Activate Learning
Installed ASHP, GSHP and Electrical Ecosystem training bays. The new sustainable training area is a launchpad for student success in a rapidly evolving sector. By using equipment from leading manufacturers such as Daikin on the air to water heat pumps, Kensa on the Ground Source Heat Pump Demonstration Unit, Solis, GivEnergy and Zappi in the Electrical Ecosystem, Reading College is now better equipped to prepare its students for careers in renewable energy, sustainable construction, and green technologies.
These skills will be essential as the UK moves closer to its net zero targets, and the demand for renewable energy expertise continues to grow. Thanks to this project, students at Reading College will leave not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the confidence and experience to apply it in the field.
8. Conclusion: Next Steps for FE Colleges
- Audit your current facilities and identify gaps in green skills training.
- Apply for funding. Use LSIF, heat pump grants and other Government funding schemes.
- Partner with Quantum Group and install future-proof green skills training bays.
By investing now, FE colleges can lead the green skills revolution and secure long-term enrolment growth.
FAQ: Green Skills Training Centres for FE Colleges
1. Why do FE colleges need dedicated green skills training facilities?
The UK’s net zero transition will require thousands of heat pump and retrofit installers. Colleges with hands-on facilities such as heat pump, retrofit and solar training bays give students practical skills that employers need, helping them move straight into work.
2. What does it cost to set up a green skills centre?
Costs vary depending on size, scope and technology. To receive an accurate quotation, please get in touch with Quantum to schedule a site survey. Support is available through government schemes like the Local Skills Improvement Fund, and via local authorities.
3. Which training bays should colleges prioritise?
This should depend on regional skills priorities, however the most in-demand facilities include:
- Air Source Heat pump bays
- Retrofit bays
- Solar PV and battery storage
4. How long does installation usually take?
For Low Carbon Bay installations, most installations of around 9x training bays take between 2 – 3 weeks, but this will depend on the number of bays and site readiness. For Retrofit Training Bays, a full suite of 8x bays take between 6 – 8 weeks. Providers like Quantum Training manage the full process, from design and installation to staff training. Quantum Training follows a 6-step installation process for all their training facilities.
5. Can colleges access government funding?
Yes. Colleges can apply to various funding schemes, which differ depending on government initiatives. A recent example was the Local Skills Improvement Fund, which provided targeted support for FE institutions to develop facilities and training aligned with regional employer needs, including retrofit and low-carbon technologies.
6. How can colleges keep training up to date?
Work with awarding bodies such as the NOCN Group to align courses with current standards. Keep up with policy and industry updates from DESNZ and the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), and plan to refresh facilities and curriculum.
7. What’s the return on investment for colleges?
Dedicated green skills centres attract more learners, strengthen partnerships with local employers, and make colleges eligible for future grant funding. Employers benefit too, with access to graduates trained on the latest technologies.
8. How can colleges promote their new courses?
- Highlight career opportunities and competitive starting salaries
- Build links with local schools, careers hubs and job centres.
- Showcase success stories and case studies, for example how a college became a recognised hub for retrofit or renewables training.
Need help setting up a training centre? Get in touch with Quantum Training.
