Sponsored hydrogen training places will support Scotland’s green energy future

FIVE fully funded places are now available on a pioneering hydrogen training course designed to upskill technicians in the emerging energy sector.

Point and Sandwick Trust, a charitable trust behind the UK’s largest community-owned commercial-scale windfarm on the Isle of Lewis, is sponsoring five places on the Professional Development Award (PDA) in Hydrogen: An Introduction for Technicians. The course is delivered by UHI North, West and Hebrides, a recognised leader in hydrogen training, education, research and innovation.

To be eligible for a sponsored place on the course, which starts at the end of October, applicants must live in the Outer Hebrides.

Hydrogen is recognised as an important renewable energy source, with the potential to accelerate Scotland’s transition to Net Zero and decarbonise key sectors like transport, heating, and industry.

The PDA is designed for people looking to develop skills for careers in this emerging renewable energy sector. It is particularly suited to those with an engineering qualification or background, as well as individuals in the community keen to understand hydrogen’s potential and how it could contribute to local energy initiatives.

This is Scotland’s only SQA-recognised hydrogen qualification, set at the level of a Higher National Certificate – equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. The course runs part-time over six months, combining online learning with a one-week practical session in the hydrogen lab at UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Stornoway campus.

Sponsorship covers course fees, as well as travel and accommodation for the practical session.

Point and Sandwick Trust has been a long-standing supporter of UHI North, West and Hebrides and its work to train and upskill technicians in hydrogen production. The trust recently donated £40,000 to upgrade the hydrogen lab with industry equipment, including a 3kW electrolyser and fuel cell.

Dr Alasdair MacLeod, a leading hydrogen expert and lecturer at UHI North, West and Hebrides, said:

“Hydrogen is a key energy source for the future, particularly in the Outer Hebrides, which has the potential to lead Scotland’s green hydrogen revolution. Point and Sandwick Trust are valued partners of the college, and their sponsorship of five places on our PDA will enable local learners to gain specialist knowledge and practical experience – preparing them for careers in this evolving energy sector, or empowering them to inform and influence others in the transition to Net Zero.”

Norman Mackenzie, chairman of Point and Sandwick Trust, said:

“By sponsoring these hydrogen training places, we’re investing directly in people here in the Outer Hebrides and helping them gain the skills and confidence to take part in the clean energy future. Hydrogen has real potential to bring lasting opportunities to the islands, and we’re proud to support local learners who want to play a part in shaping a sustainable future for our communities.”

The Creed Hydrogen Skills and Innovation Centre, Stornoway, a partnership between PlusZero Ltd, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and UHI North, West and Hebrides, will play a key role in growth of the green hydrogen economy in the Outer Hebrides. Currently under development, the centre will create new facilities for hands-on hydrogen technology training and next generation electrolyser research and field testing.

To find out more, or apply for a sponsored place, email:alasdair.macleod@uhi.ac.uk