At Quantum Training, we’re proud to work in partnership with South Bank Colleges and NOCN Group to deliver accredited, hands-on training in low carbon heating technologies. Together, we’re equipping apprentices with the practical skills and confidence needed to support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future.
Building the Next Generation of Skilled Professionals
In February 2023, South Bank Colleges opened the London South Bank Technical College (LSBTC) in Nine Elms — a modern technical college designed to replicate real workplace environments and prepare learners for industry. In 2024, Quantum supported the college’s vocational green skills programmes by designing and installing 9x low-carbon training bays, expanding the college’s capacity to deliver hands-on training across a range of sustainable technologies.
Since opening, LSBTC has delivered technical and vocational programmes across Engineering, Construction and Green Skills, with a strong focus on future-fit careers. This aligns closely with Quantum’s mission to bridge the gap between training and industry by providing realistic, practical learning environments that reflect the technologies learners will encounter on site.
Addressing the Skills Gap in Low Carbon Careers
As awareness of climate change grows, more young people are seeking careers within the green economy. However, while ambition is high, there remains a clear skills gap — particularly in specialist low carbon technologies — with learners often unsure how to gain the practical experience required to progress.
Through collaboration with NOCN Group, South Bank Colleges deliver the Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship, a programme designed to meet industry demand and build competence across a broad range of skills. The apprenticeship was one of six highlighted by King Charles at his coronation, reflecting its importance in supporting sustainability and green skills development.
Tim Weston, Director of Career Pathways at South Bank Colleges, explains:
“We were the first in the country to sign up for that, to show some interest. Because we are a very modern technical college with a whole suite of different green skills, equipment, and workshops, we thought we would be ideally suited to delivering this apprenticeship.”
Leading the Way in Ground Source Heat Pump Training
To support delivery of the apprenticeship, Quantum designed and installed fully operational ground source heat pump training bays at LSBTC, including the first GSHP training bay with a live borehole, giving learners direct access to industry-relevant equipment in a safe, controlled environment.
Ground source heat pumps are increasingly recognised as a key technology in decarbonising heat, and as the UK moves closer to its net zero targets, demand for skilled installers is expected to rise sharply. Providing apprentices with hands-on experience is essential to ensuring confidence, competence and quality in future installations.
Learners on the Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship benefit from direct interaction with Quantum’s training equipment. Apprentice Connie Pawsey shared how valuable this access has been:
“I have never installed one. I’ve come across one at work before, but being able to visualise everything in one place is really helpful. On-site learning and the mixture of having that plus the paperwork in hand is really useful.”
A Streamlined Route into Renewable Heating Engineering
The Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship offers a broad and integrated curriculum, covering plumbing, electrical and F-gas-related skills alongside renewable heating technologies. This approach provides apprentices with a clear, efficient route into low carbon heating roles without the need to complete multiple separate qualifications.
As Tim Weston notes:
“It helps to show potential employers that they will become skilled at a variety of different skills… so it covers a whole host of different skills.”
Apprentices have highlighted that this structure saves time and accelerates progression into skilled employment within the renewables sector.
Supporting the UK’s Low-Carbon Future
By partnering with South Bank Colleges and NOCN Group, Quantum is helping to create meaningful, practical pathways into renewable heating careers. Through industry-aligned training environments and collaborative delivery, we’re supporting the development of a skilled workforce capable of delivering high-quality, low-carbon heating solutions across the UK.
Watch the videos below to see how this partnership is giving learners hands-on experience with low carbon heating technologies and helping build the skills needed for the UK’s green transition..
