Industry partnership brings green tech training centre for Telford College

Engineering students at Telford College will now have access to a ‘pioneering’ training centre to learn about green technology thanks to a partnership with an industry partner. 

AceOn Group, a battery and energy storage specialist based in Telford, has partnered with the college to create the centre, which will feature renewable training rigs to allow for specialist training with solar panels, air source heat pumps and EV charging.

L-r: Beckie Bosworth, Head of Employer Engagement at Telford College, Cllr Eileen Callear, Mark Thompson, AceOn Group Managing Director, Liz Wakeham-Jones, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Account Manager for Business Support and Robert Lees, Director of Engineering and Aviation at Telford College.

Cllr Eileen Callear, the Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Employment and Skills, said: ‘I’m really impressed with the AceOn Group-inspired training facility at the college which will give learners the skills they need as engineering and technology continues to evolve. 

‘This centre will help learners to gain skills and qualifications which are needed as the demand for greener technology continues to gather pace and will also lead to future employment opportunities and benefit employers as well.’ 

Students who use the facility will be able to work towards a Level 3 Electrical Energy Storage Systems qualification as well as a series of other certifications around the engineering and energy industry. The centre will also be used to upskill staff so they can deliver new qualifications. 

Based in Telford College’s Wellington campus, the centre has been funded through the Srategic Development Project and also includes a new mezzanine floor for the delivery of green technology courses. 

Principal and CEO of Telford College, Graham Guest, said: ‘It’s vital for us here at the college that our curriculum continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of local employers – and that we do this in close partnership and collaboration with them. 

‘This facility is giving students the chance to learn about specialist services such as solar panels, electric vehicle charging, and air source heat pumps. And our new mezzanine floor is a key part of our commitment to delivering courses centred around electrical energy storage systems. 

Many colleges around the UK are looking to secure the newest technology to prepare engineering students for the ever-changing industry with Coleg Gwent in Wales recently benefiting from a Levelling Up grant to build a High Value Engineering Facility.