Hugh Baird College recently hosted a Green Skills Day, which introduced over 300 Plumbing, Electrical, Engineering, Construction, and Carpentry and Joinery learners to the rapidly growing opportunities within green skills industries. 

The event brought together industry leaders, including Cadent Gas, E.ON, Starship, JJ Smith, Lightwave, AB Engineering, and K2/Vinci, offering hands-on experiences and valuable insights into the future of green careers across multiple sectors.

Utilising funding from the Association of Liverpool City Region Colleges and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Green Skills Day provided students with immersive experiences across various disciplines, including;

• Plumbing students with Cadent Gas: Students participated in Cadent Gas’ Virtual Work Experience, using VR headsets in collaboration with Focus VR. This interactive session provided real-world insights into net-zero industry scenarios, offering a first-hand look at sustainable engineering and gas sector careers.

• Plumbing, Electrical and  Engineering students with E.ON: A two-part session led by E.ON graduate apprentices and a learning specialist introduced students to career pathways, training opportunities, and routes into employment. A solar energy quiz developed with Peel Ports challenged students’ knowledge, and prizes were awarded to winners. Additionally, students took part in a scenario-based challenge, analysing client briefs and developing sustainable solutions. A general careers session led by social value managers incorporated a Lego-based challenge where students designed their ideal green job; this included a social media engagement opportunity and a before-and-after quiz to measure engagement.

• Construction students with Starship: Students attended an interactive workshop featuring a presentation, a short practical activity, and a Q&A session focused on CAD 2D/3D drawing, showcasing the role of digital design in sustainable construction.
• Carpentry and Joinery students with JJ Smith: Students explored robotics in construction, learning how automation is transforming the industry and improving efficiency in sustainable building practices.

• Electrical students with Lightwave: An interactive session introduced students to smart home technology, demonstrating how smart devices can monitor and control electrical systems, increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints.

• Engineering and Building Services students with AB Engineering: Students gained insight into career pathways and industry trends, exploring how sustainability is integrated into modern engineering practices.

• Construction and Building Services students with K2 and Vinci Construction: Students attended a presentation and interactive activities focusing on the Bootle Strand redevelopment and sustainable innovations within the construction sector.

The demand for green skills is rapidly increasing as the world moves towards a more sustainable future. In the Liverpool City Region alone, 65,000 workers need upskilling to meet the region’s net-zero targets. 

Addressing this urgent need, Hugh Baird College — an Ofsted Outstanding college — is playing a crucial role in preparing the next generation of professionals to thrive in the green economy.

Among those employers who attended the event, Mark Davies, Co-Founder & Architect Director of K2 Architects shared: 

‘’Supporting Hugh Baird College via Green Skills Day is vital if we are to create pathways for these students into a high quality, local skilled workforce.

As a Certified B Corp^TM K2 Architects are advocates for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.

Listening and engaging with the students around the Strand transformation was highly informative and we are returning to the College to hear further how the students have approached the project as part of their coursework and learning.

We have seen first-hand the extraordinary work and outstanding education that is embedded into the culture of Hugh Baird College.’’

Ryan McMahon, Apprenticeship Lecturer at Hugh Baird College, said:

“Green Skills Day provided our apprentice students with a valuable insight into the career pathways available after completing their studies at Hugh Baird College. They gained in- depth knowledge from industry experts on renewable energy sources and the future impact of technologies such as hydrogen. A soft skills workshop also helped them understand key employer expectations, such as timekeeping, professionalism, hard work, and confidence- essential qualities for a successful career in Plumbing and Gas.”

Paula Waltmaier, Director of Professional Construction and Trades at Hugh Baird College, said:

“Green Skills Day provided our students with hands-on experience and direct insights into the future of green skills and engaging with leading industry professionals allowed them to see firsthand how their skills can contribute to a greener future. 

Events like this not only inspire our students but also strengthen our partnerships with key employers, creating new pathways for training, apprenticeships, and future employment. We’re excited to continue building these relationships and ensuring our students are at the forefront of the green skills revolution.”

To find out more about Hugh Baird College’s Construction and Building Services courses, visit the website.

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