Hull College launching new £5m Greenwave training centre
Hull College is set to open Greenwave, a landmark £5m green energy training centre, this September. The state-of-the-art facility will provide industry-leading learning environments that equip people with the technical skills needed for the fast-growing low-carbon economy, further cementing the college’s position as a national leader in green skills education and training.
Based at the main city-centre campus, Greenwave has been made possible through £5m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and forms a central part of the college’s long-term ambition to become a world-class hub for green skills, technical training and workforce development.
Cutting-edge facilities focused on the green transition
Greenwave will house specialist equipment and hands-on learning spaces tailored to key technologies shaping the energy transition and net-zero economy, including renewable energy, heat decarbonisation, hydrogen, electric vehicles, carbon capture, sustainable construction and advanced engineering.
Facilities and specialist equipment will include:
- Air source and ground source heat pump training systems
- Solar PV and solar thermal training equipment
- Wind turbine and renewable energy technology simulators
- Hydrogen fuel cell training technology
- Specialist welding equipment linked to carbon capture infrastructure
- Smart building and energy efficiency technologies
Expanding pathways from Entry Level to Higher Education
Hull College already offers more than 145 courses linked to green skills and trained over 2,700 learners in the past year alone. Greenwave will significantly expand the college’s capacity to deliver industry-led training aligned to the Humber’s growing demand for talent in offshore wind, decarbonisation, retrofit, sustainable construction, advanced manufacturing and emerging energy technologies. Clear routes from Entry Level through to Higher Education will enable learners of all ages and backgrounds to progress into rewarding careers within the green economy.
Debra Gray, principal and CEO of Hull College, said: “Greenwave is a visible commitment to providing outstanding facilities and ensuring our curriculum evolves alongside industry. From Entry Level to Higher Education, learners will gain the knowledge and technical skills employers need today—and will need in the future.” She added: “The Humber is at the forefront of the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Demand for highly skilled people has never been greater, and we’re determined to connect learners with the careers that will shape the future.”
Backed by industry and regional partners
The college’s successful funding bid was supported by 29 industry partners from across the Humber, reflecting strong confidence in its vision for developing the region’s future workforce. Greenwave has also been welcomed by the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (HEY LSIP), which brings together employers and training providers to ensure current and future workforces are equipped with the right skills.
Rod Chambers, project lead for HEY LSIP, said: “This major investment will create significant opportunities for people to learn and master the skills employers require as they build our region’s green-energy leadership. The green skills sector is vital to businesses across the board, and we see Greenwave as an exciting addition to the region’s training capacity.”
Dr Diana Taylor, managing director of Future Humber, said: “The Humber’s future will be shaped by the skills of its people. With ongoing investment across our nationally significant energy, manufacturing and industrial sectors, building the workforce to meet that demand is one of our biggest opportunities. Greenwave shows how education and industry can come together to equip learners of all ages with in-demand skills while opening the door to excellent careers.”
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, added: “It’s essential that institutions like Hull College lead the way in developing the skills our industries need, helping local businesses to grow and creating life-changing opportunities for young people. This investment shows the ambition and confidence our city deserves and underlines that we can compete with the very best.”
Opening this September
Greenwave will welcome its first learners this September at Hull College’s city-centre campus, providing cutting-edge facilities, expert teaching and strong employer links to support the Humber’s role as a national leader in clean growth and renewable energy.
