From Retrofit to Renewables: How Education is Building a Greener Future
From Retrofit to Renewables: How Education is Building a Greener Future
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Gower College Swansea is redefining the future of education in Wales, championing sustainability, innovation and the development of green skills that support a net-zero future.
At the centre is a commitment to working with employers to develop the skilled workforce needed to power Wales’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Through strong industry partnerships and flexible training, the College is helping businesses build capacity, boost efficiency and stay ahead of new sustainability standards.
Retrofit training enables learners to upgrade existing buildings to meet modern energy efficiency requirements, a critical part of achieving Wales’s net-zero 2050 goals.
Alongside traditional construction trades, Gower College Swansea delivers a wide range of sustainable technology qualifications, including:
- Heat Pump Systems (BPEC): Supporting the shift to low-carbon heating solutions.
- Energy Efficiency in Domestic Dwellings: Improving sustainability in Welsh homes.
- Level 3 Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeships: Focused on energy-efficient system design and maintenance.
- Electric Vehicle Charging Installation: Preparing learners for roles in clean transport.
Many of these qualifications are fully funded, making green skills training accessible and affordable for both individuals and employers.
“Partnership with industry sits at the core of our success,” says Interim Principal Paul Kift. “We work hand in hand with employers across construction, energy and engineering to ensure our courses align with current and future workforce needs.”
The College collaborates with key partners such as Tai Tarian, Pobl, CITB, Kier, Bouygues, John Weaver, Bute Energy and Cyfle to co-design training and apprenticeships that reflect real industry demand.
New Level 4 Microcredentials developed with industry experts offer flexible upskilling options for the current workforce. These include Green Roofs with Chris Bridgeman MBE, Water and Wastewater Treatment with Welsh Water, and Renewable Technologies with Dr Adel Sharif, University of Surrey. Delivered through blended learning, these 10-week programmes are ideal for professionals looking to advance their knowledge without taking time away from work.
Recently, Gower College Swansea won the Wales STEM Award for Educational Programme of the Year (Public Sector) 2025, recognising its inclusive, employer-led approach to training. The Education and Beyond initiative has engaged over 150 employers and created six new sector pathways, tackling skills gaps and supporting underrepresented groups such as women, career changers, and economically inactive adults.
This strong collaboration with employers has resulted in a 28% increase in construction apprenticeships and a 15% rise in enrolments over the past year.
“Every qualification and partnership we create is about one thing,” says Hannah Pearce, Learning Area Manager for the Built Environment. “Empowering learners to build a sustainable future for themselves, their communities, and for Wales.”
Whether you’re an employer looking to upskill your workforce, recruit apprentices, or access funded green skills training, Gower College Swansea can help your business prepare for a sustainable future.
To explore construction and green skills training and funding opportunities, contact:
email: training@gcs.ac.uk
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