Quantum Training and Kensa are proud to announce their joint contribution to the newly opened £13.5 million Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College, part of the Inspire Education Group, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to preparing students for careers in renewable energy, sustainable construction, and low-carbon technologies.
Peterborough College is the latest to feature Quantum Training Bays equipped with Kensa’s ground source heat pumps, with a further 13 bays and 3 demonstration units offering ground source heat pump training already in operation at colleges across the UK. The installations will equip students with the skills needed to support the UK’s net-zero ambitions and a growing demand for ground source heat pumps, driven by the upcoming Future Homes Standard, which will end gas boiler installations for new housing developments. Rachel Nicholls, Principal and CEO of Inspire Education Group, described the center’s opening as “a proud day for the future of green skills,” highlighting the focus on delivering practical skills and authentic learning environments to prepare students for the green workforce.
As part of this landmark project, Quantum Training installed specialized training bays within the center, including two Ground Source Heat Pump Training Bays, two Solar Thermal Training Bays, and two Electrical Ecosystem Training Bays. The dedicated ground source heat pump training bays feature Kensa’s British-made heat pumps and provide students with hands-on experience of real-world, industry-standard technology that’s already found in thousands of UK homes.
Baroness Sharon Taylor, who officially opened the center, called it “a landmark facility” essential for equipping learners to meet the demands of a net-zero economy. David Pennell, Chair of the Corporation, emphasized that “investing in skills is essential to a happy, healthy, and prosperous future.”
Maria Gonella, Managing Partner at Quantum Training, said:
“We’re proud to partner with Kensa to bring their industry-leading ground source heat pumps and expertise into our training bays, including at the new Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College. This collaboration is a perfect example of how industry and education can come together to tackle the green skills gap”
“As a decarbonization business and renewables training provider, we know first-hand the challenges of finding competent installers, particularly among young people. That’s why we’ve designed our training equipment and courses to reflect real-world conditions, giving students the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the growing green economy.”
David Billingsley, Sales Director at Kensa, said:
“We’re proud to be working with Quantum Training to share our ground source heat pump products, knowledge and expertise with the UK’s future workforce. Equipping the next generation with the right skills is vital to ensuring the transition to renewable heating succeeds for businesses, homeowners, and the country.
“Through Quantum’s training bays, including the one at Peterborough College and many others nationwide, we’re helping ensure students can install ground source systems effectively and are ready to meet the growing demand for cleaner, more efficient heating.”
Peterborough College’s Centre for Green Technology also features solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and immersive technologies such as a virtual reality wall. It also supports training in electric vehicle infrastructure, solar PV, air source heat pumps, retrofit, and sustainable construction, reflecting the growing demand for green skills, with over 440,000 green jobs projected by 2030.
Quantum Training’s installation of the full suite of training bays, combined with Kensa’s provision of ground source heat pump systems, exemplifies the power of industry collaboration to deliver practical, hands-on education that aligns with employer needs and the UK’s sustainability goals.