Net Zero Skills Centre for Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway College (DGC) has proudly launched its new Net Zero Skills Centre, a significant step towards promoting sustainability and supporting local businesses in transitioning to a greener future.

This initiative, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), aims to provide businesses with the essential skills and knowledge required to adapt to the evolving demands of a low-carbon economy.

The UKSPF has allocated £400,920 for local investment in Dumfries and Galloway by March 2025. This funding will enable the Net Zero Skills Centre to offer a range of courses designed to upskill workers in the region, focusing on the 'Roadmap to Decarbonisation'. These courses are crucial for trades and professionals who will play a vital role in helping the public transition to more sustainable homes.

Courses Offered by the Net Zero Skills Centre
Dumfries and Galloway businesses can benefit from various courses, all fully-funded, to enhance their capabilities in key areas of sustainable development. The available courses include:

• A range of Retrofit Academy courses

• SVQ work-based qualification in Insulation & Building Environment at SCQF Level 6

• Heat Pump Systems

• Electrical Energy Storage Systems

• Solar Thermal Domestic Hot Water Systems

• EV Charging Point Installation

These courses are essential to meet the growing demand for green skills and innovation, particularly in the construction industry. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that around 22,500 new roles will need to be created by 2028 to achieve Scotland's net-zero goals.

Addressing the Climate Emergency
Scotland faces a significant challenge in transitioning to low-carbon heating systems, with an estimated need for 15,500 heat pump installers to meet the target of converting at least 50% of homes to such systems by 2030. Only 278,000 of the approximately 2.5 million homes in Scotland use renewable or low-emissions heating systems, underscoring the urgent need for retrofitting activities to future-proof buildings. 

Joanna Campbell, Principal of Dumfries and Galloway College, expressed the college's commitment to the green agenda, stating:

"The green agenda and tackling the climate emergency is one of the key priorities for DGC. This project, funded by the UK Government, emboldens our ethos of helping design and implement green skills courses for workers in carbon-intensive sectors."

Dumfries and Galloway businesses have until March 31, 2025, to participate in these free courses. By doing so, they will enhance their capabilities and contribute significantly to achieving a sustainable and low-carbon future for the region.

For more information on the courses and funding opportunities, visit www.dumgal.ac.uk/free-net-zero-training/ or contact the college via email at businessdevelopment@dumgal.ac.uk