A new course to provide students with the skills to work in hydrogen-related industries has been launched - the first in the UK and Ireland.
Fifty students are already studying the Level 2 and Level 3 courses in Hydrogen Applications and Technologies at Northern Regional College with another 50 signed up for the next intake.
The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to work in hydrogen-related industries, such as energy generation, storage and distribution.
Covering the operating principles of hydrogen, safe usage and transportation, as well as hydrogen fuel cells, generation, storage and distribution, it is aimed at individuals who work or would like to work in the motor vehicle, plumbing and green energy sectors.
The demand for the course is global, with interest coming from as far away as Australia. As a result, plans are underway to make the course available online.
Alan Reid, innovation manager at Northern Regional College, said the training "will result in a workforce that can embrace the emerging low-carbon sector".
“The course will undoubtedly support those sectors which are affected by the drive to net zero, allowing companies and personnel to pivot delivery in the new green economy,” he said.
“As well as playing a critical role in training and upskilling existing employees, new trainees will be educated to a recognised standard of professional competency for the hydrogen sector."
The course itself has been developed as part of a wider pilot Hydrogen Training Academy, which received funding from the UK government's Community Renewal Fund and was supported by private sector sponsorship from EP UK Investments Ltd.
The pilot Hydrogen Training Academy was led by Mid and East Antrim borough council.
Mayor Noel Williams said the course is “a significant milestone in the development of the hydrogen economy in the UK and Ireland".
“The use of hydrogen gas and green energy is set to become a key growth driver in the future global transition to the net zero target by 2050, so it is a welcome and exciting development to see our local initiatives come to fruition,” he said.
“Council has teamed up with local industry and academia, including Northern Regional College, to develop a series of hydrogen economy initiatives that support the development of this sector.”
