Central London Forward Green Skills Partnership

Join us on our journey to a low carbon future

Access high-quality technical education and develop the skills for a career in the low carbon energy industry.

Welcome to the Central London Forward Project, a partnership led by New City College and comprising nine colleges across Central London, which successfully secured a £2.7 million bid from the DfE Strategic Development Fund to pilot new and collaborative ways to develop high quality technical education in the low carbon energy industry.

Our project offers accessible and high-quality learning pathways for new and skilled workers in the low carbon energy industry, as well as advice and guidance on developing green skills to meet the growing demand for green skilled jobs. The project is focused on three key areas.

Building low carbon energy labs with industry support

We are working with industry to design and build low carbon energy learning labs, enabling us to offer new and exciting courses that meet the very latest industry standards. This means that learners can benefit from a unique learning experience that supports them to install, commission, test, and repair low carbon energy technologies. Courses available include Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Air Source Heat Pumps, Electric Storage, Electric Vehicle Charging, Retrofit, and Energy Efficiency.

Developing climate literacy teaching toolkits

We recognise the importance of developing an understanding of the climate and how we manage our impact on it. To this end, we have developed a teaching and learning toolkit to be rolled out across sixth forms, adult and community colleges, and general FE colleges in the Central London area. Our vision is for all learners to be supported to develop their climate literacy, which we believe is vital for their journey to skilled employment and active citizenship.

Provide learning on retrofitting low carbon technology and energy efficiency in older buildings

We understand that low carbon energy technology can dramatically reduce our need for energy when it is planned and designed to be used in new buildings. However, there is a key challenge of how to make the most of such new technology in older and traditional buildings. This is why we are providing learning for FE staff to understand how to approach the retrofit of low carbon technology and energy efficiency in older buildings.

"The impact on staff has been remarkable as they now have a new pathway to deliver on which has re-energised their cognitive thought process - which has been easily identifiable through increased retention and achievement and new course materials ready for our roll out of new facility."

Our progress so far

We’re excited about the progress we’ve made so far and the impact our project is having on the local community. Keep an eye out for more updates as we continue to develop our offering and invest in the next generation of low carbon energy professionals.

Our efforts have resulted in 42 new collaborations, which are helping us reshape local provision to meet the demands of the industry. We’ve also created 31 new teaching and learning resources that are designed to support effective pedagogy, with a focus on hands-on experience.

Our team is passionate about professional development, and we’ve already provided over 1,300 hours of CPD for FE staff through industry placements, and over 1,500 hours of CPD through external training. As a result, more than 1,700 learners are now being taught by teachers who have undertaken CPD, ensuring the very latest industry standards.

We’ve invested heavily in new equipment to give our learners a highly specified learning experience, and by 31st July, over 1,100 learners will have used new industry standard equipment. We’ve also consulted with over 50 employers to ensure that our training meets their needs.

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond just the FE sector. We’ve raised awareness about career opportunities in the low carbon energy sector for over 100 primary and secondary school pupils.

At New City College, we’ve already run three successful courses, including two EV Charging courses and one Air Source Heat Pump course, with a total of 18 learners. We’re proud to say that all of our learners achieved a 100% pass rate to date.

Working in collaboration with industry and colleges

We are proud of our collaboration with industry and local authorities in the Central London area, which has shaped our project and provided ongoing support. Our partnership includes sixth form colleges and adult and community colleges, ensuring effective careers advice and guidance. MCS, the standards body for the low carbon energy industry, endorses our project, stating that it sets us apart from most training in the country.

Our direct partners include New City College, Capital City College Group, South Thames Colleges Group, South Bank Colleges, United Colleges Group, NCG – Lewisham College, St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College, Christ the King Sixth Form College, Morley College, Working Men’s College Corporation, Mary Ward Settlement and The City Literacy Institute.

Upgrade your skills and join the green workforce

58% of new jobs are expected to be green skills by 2030. Find out how we can help you prepare for these exciting opportunities.

If you are interested in accessing MCS approved training, understand retrofit and energy efficient installations, find out about our courses, or would like to help us shape the future of green skills – we want to hear from you.

Register your interest below.

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