The UK’s journey to Net Zero by 2050 relies on a workforce trained to deliver sustainable solutions across construction, energy, and infrastructure. With 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 already built, the focus is on retrofitting, low-carbon technologies, and sustainable construction practices.
For Further Education (FE) colleges, this creates both a challenge and an opportunity. Colleges are uniquely positioned to train the next generation of green professionals, equipping them with the practical skills needed to transform homes, businesses, and communities.According to the UK Government’s Green Jobs Delivery Group, the UK will need between 135,00 to 725,000 new green jobs by 2030, with construction and energy sectors driving the majority of this demand. Colleges offering the right courses will play a central role in closing this skills gap.
Why Green Skills Courses Matter in 2025
Green skills are essential for:
- Meeting the UK’s Net Zero target by 2050.
- Reducing carbon emissions from the built environment, which currently contributes around 25% of the UK’s total emissions.
- Providing pathways to high-demand careers in retrofitting, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure.
- Ensuring learners gain practical, hands-on experience with modern technologies like air source heat pumps, solar PV and EV charging systems.
With £6 billion in funding announced by the UK Government for energy efficiency and green technology initiatives, colleges have unprecedented access to resources for upgrading green skills training facilities and delivering practical green skills courses.
Table: Top 10 Green Skills Courses for UK Colleges in 2025
| Rank | Course Name | Primary Focus | Key Industry Alignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Retrofit Coordination & Assessment | Whole-house retrofit planning and PAS 2035 compliance | Retrofitting & energy efficiency |
| 2 | Air Source Heat Pump Installation | Low-carbon heating systems | Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Heat Training Grants |
| 3 | Electrical Ecosystem (Solar PV, EV Charging, Battery Storage) | Renewable energy and smart grid technologies | Net Zero infrastructure |
| 4 | Insulation & Building Fabric Training | Airtightness, moisture management, and thermal performance | PAS 2035 standards |
| 5 | Retrofit Bootcamps/SWAP Bundles | Fast-track entry into retrofit careers | Workforce shortage response |
| 6 | Circular Construction & Low-Carbon Materials | Sustainable building materials and waste reduction | Circular economy goals |
| 7 | Energy Modelling & Environmental Assessment | Building energy performance tools (SAP, SBEM) | Net Zero building design |
| 8 | Green Construction Management | Leading sustainable construction projects | Industry leadership |
| 9 | Heat Recovery & Ventilation Systems (MVHR) | Indoor air quality and energy recovery | Modern retrofit practices |
| 10 | Green Skills Awareness for Schools | Early introduction to green career pathways | Inspiring next-generation learners |
1. Retrofit Coordination & Assessment
With 29 million UK homes needing energy upgrades by 2050, retrofitting is one of the biggest challenges facing the sector.
Courses in retrofit coordination and assessment equip learners with the knowledge to oversee whole-building projects, ensuring compliance with PAS 2035 standards.
Key Skills Taught:
- Identifying energy efficiency measures.
- Understanding moisture risk and ventilation strategies.
- Planning fabric-first retrofits.
Why It Matters:
Without skilled retrofit coordinators, projects risk being poorly executed, leading to inefficiency and long-term structural problems. The UK needs an additional workforce of around 230,000 workers in retrofit-related jobs by 2030.
2. Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) Installation
The government aims to install 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028.
ASHP installation courses are vital for replacing traditional gas boilers with low-carbon heating systems. Students gain hands-on experience using specialist training bays.
Key Skills Taught:
- Designing heat pump systems for different building types.
- Installation and maintenance of ASHPs.
- Compliance with government-backed schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Career Opportunities:
Heat pump installers currently earn £30,000–£35,000 per year, making this a lucrative career pathway for graduates.
3. Electrical Ecosystem: Solar PV, EV Charging & Battery Storage
As the UK transitions to renewable energy, demand for solar installers, EV charging technicians, and battery specialists is skyrocketing.
Key Skills Taught:
- Solar PV system installation and grid integration.
- EV charging infrastructure design and deployment.
- Battery storage solutions for energy efficiency.
The growing demand for energy storage highlights the urgent need for training in this area. These roles are vital to creating a reliable, future-ready energy network and supporting the UK’s Net Zero targets. By developing these skills, workers can access stable, high-growth career opportunities in the low-carbon economy.
4. Insulation & Building Fabric Training
Improving a building’s fabric is the foundation of successful retrofits. It ensures that energy efficiency measures deliver long-term results by reducing heat loss and preventing issues like damp and mould.
Key Skills Taught:
- Airtightness techniques.
- Moisture management.
- Use of sustainable materials like low-carbon concrete and recycled timber.
The Construction Leadership Council highlights fabric-first approaches as essential for meeting Net Zero targets. As demand for retrofit projects grows, these skills will be critical for creating homes and buildings that are both sustainable and resilient for the future.
5. Retrofit Bootcamps & SWAP Bundles
To quickly address workforce shortages, bootcamps and Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) offer training for jobseekers.
Key Skills Taught:
- Basic retrofit techniques.
- Health and safety for low-carbon construction.
- Entry-level certifications leading to apprenticeships.
Bootcamps & SWAPs have proven effective in fast-tracking learners into employment, particularly in partnership with housing associations and local authorities.
6. Circular Construction & Low-Carbon Materials
The construction sector generates over 60% of waste produced in the UK, making circular economy practices essential. By rethinking how materials are sourced, used, and disposed of, the industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact. Embracing these practices also lowers costs, conserves resources, and supports the UK’s Net Zero goals by cutting embodied carbon in construction projects.
Key Skills Taught:
- Recycling and reusing materials.
- Sustainable material selection.
- Designing buildings for deconstruction.
Colleges offering this training will help meet the growing demand for sustainability managers and circular economy specialists.
7. Energy Modelling & Environmental Assessment
Energy performance assessment is central to modern construction, helping designers, builders, and retrofit teams make informed decisions from the very start of a project. By accurately predicting how a building will use and conserve energy, it becomes possible to design solutions that are both cost-effective and sustainable.
Key Skills Taught:
- SAP and SBEM modelling software.
- Predicting a building’s environmental performance.
- Providing recommendations for energy efficiency improvements.
These skills align with government reporting requirements and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system, ensuring compliance while supporting the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.
8. Green Construction Management
Managing sustainable construction projects requires a unique skillset. It combines traditional project management expertise with a deep understanding of sustainability principles and emerging green technologies.
This course prepares learners to:
- Oversee low-carbon projects from planning to delivery.
- Manage stakeholder expectations and budgets.
- Ensure compliance with green building frameworks like BREEAM.
Employers are increasingly seeking construction managers who understand both technical and environmental considerations. Those with this expertise are well-positioned to lead the transition toward a more sustainable built environment.
9. Heat Recovery & Ventilation Systems (MVHR)
As homes become more airtight, proper ventilation is critical for health and comfort. Without the right systems in place, moisture and pollutants can build up, leading to damp, mould, and poor indoor air quality. This can impact both the building’s integrity and the health of the people living inside.
MVHR courses focus on:
- Designing and installing heat recovery systems.
- Understanding indoor air quality standards.
- Balancing energy efficiency with occupant wellbeing.
These skills are increasingly in demand as building regulations tighten, ensuring that modern homes are not only energy-efficient but also healthy, safe, and comfortable for the people living in them.
10. Green Skills Awareness for Schools
Introducing young people to green careers early is vital for building a sustainable workforce pipeline.
Colleges can deliver courses that:
- Showcase renewable technologies.
- Provide hands-on taster sessions.
- Inspire school leavers to pursue green career pathways.
This early intervention helps address the low awareness of green jobs in students in the UK.
Building the UK’s Green Workforce
FE colleges are at the frontline of the UK’s green transition. By offering these courses, they can prepare learners for high-growth careers while helping the nation achieve its climate ambitions.
From heat pump installation to circular construction practices, these courses ensure graduates leave college ready to make a real impact. As demand for green jobs continues to surge, now is the time for colleges to invest in green skills training that benefits both learners and the planet.
How Quantum Training is Helping
Quantum Training works in partnership with further education colleges to equip them with the facilities, courses, and support systems required to train the next generation of green professionals. Our solutions are designed to meet real-world industry demands and help colleges become leaders in low-carbon and retrofit education.
1. State-of-the-Art Training Facilities
Quantum Training delivers custom-built training bays that replicate real-life working environments.
Our installations include:
- Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) bays
- Electrical Ecosystem bays, featuring solar PV panels, battery storage systems, and EV charging units
- Retrofit training bays, designed for whole-house retrofitting and PAS 2035 compliance
- Solar Thermal bays, focused on the installation and maintenance of solar water heating systems.
These facilities give students practical experience with the latest technologies, bridging the gap between classroom theory and on-site application. We also deliver Train the Green/Retrofit Trainer programmes to equip teachers with the skills to teach in these facilities and deliver courses.
2. Renewable and Retrofit Courses (Co-Created with NOCN Group)
Quantum Training has partnered with the NOCN Group, a leading awarding body, to co-create accredited Renewable Courses and Retrofit Courses that colleges can deliver directly.
These courses cover areas such as:
- Low-carbon heating systems like ASHPs and GSHPs
- Solar PV, EV infrastructure, and battery storage
- Whole-home retrofitting practices
The curriculum is aligned with current industry standards and supports learners to achieve qualifications that are recognised nationwide, ensuring colleges stay at the forefront of green skills education.
3. Bootcamps & SWAPs
To meet workforce demands, Quantum Training and NOCN Group have launched Bootcamps and Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs). These intensive programmes create direct pathways to employment, enabling learners to transition quickly from education to jobs in the growing green economy
Through these programmes Quantum Training is helping colleges deliver the skills, facilities, and opportunities needed to power the UK’s Net Zero future. Get in touch
To explore how Quantum Training can support your college, visit our Green Skills Training Solutions page.
FAQ: Green Skills Courses for UK Further Education Colleges
1. Why should FE colleges focus on green skills courses in 2025?
Green skills are critical to meeting the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target. The construction and energy sectors face a huge skills shortage, with demand for jobs like heat pump engineers and retrofit specialists growing rapidly. By offering green skills courses, colleges can prepare students for high-demand careers while supporting local employers and communities.
2. What are the most important green skills courses for colleges to offer?
Key areas include:
- Heat pump installation (air source and ground source systems)
- Retrofit and whole-home energy efficiency
- Solar PV and battery storage systems
- EV charging infrastructure
- Sustainable construction practices
These courses directly address the UK’s skills gaps and align with emerging government policies.
3. What role does Quantum Training play in supporting colleges?
Quantum Training provides everything a college needs to deliver green skills education, including:
- State-of-the-art training bays for hands-on learning
- Accredited renewable and retrofit courses, co-created with NOCN Group
- Train the Green/Retrofit Trainer programmes to upskill teaching staff
- Bootcamps and SWAPs to create rapid pathways into employment
4. How long does it take to set up a green skills training centre?
Timelines vary depending on project size and site readiness. Smaller installations like a single heat pump bay can be ready in 5 days while full centres with multiple technologies may take several weeks to complete.
5. What careers can students pursue after completing these courses?
Graduates can move into roles such as retrofit coordinators, heat pump engineers, solar PV installers, and EV infrastructure specialists. These are all areas with strong job growth and long-term career prospects.
6. How can colleges fund green skills facilities and courses?
Colleges can apply for government funding streams and regional grants. Partnering with employers and local authorities can also unlock co-funding opportunities for equipment, facilities, and training programmes.
