UHI North, West and Hebrides Expands International Reach with Green Hydrogen Skills Partnership in South Africa
UHI North, West and Hebrides has taken its international expertise in green hydrogen to South Africa, launching a pioneering partnership with Thekwini TVET College in Durban to help develop a skilled workforce for the country’s growing clean energy economy.
The team from UHI North, West and Hebrides, Roddy Ferguson, Curriculum Manager for Engineering; Joe Macphee, Head of Strategic Projects; Dr. Alasdair Macleod, Engineering Lecturer; and Dr. Roy Bartle, Curriculum Development and Projects Developer recently spent a week in KwaZulu-Natal, working with Thekwini TVET College and local stakeholders to begin the initiative. The visit focused on establishing a dedicated hydrogen training laboratory at the College and developing technician-level training courses aligned to the needs of the emerging hydrogen economy.
Backed by the British Council’s Going Global initiative, the collaboration will harness UHI North, West and Hebrides world-leading hydrogen technology training to support South Africa’s transition to green energy.
Roddy Ferguson, Curriculum Manager for Engineering at UHI North, West and Hebrides, said:
“UHI North, West and Hebrides has a proud track record of delivering global, industry-aligned training in renewable energy. During this visit, our staff provided specialist training to eight Thekwini College lecturers and engaged with a broad range of industry, academic, and government stakeholders. The relationships we’ve established are key to ensuring this partnership has a long-lasting impact on South Africa’s green hydrogen future.”
A highlight of the visit was a high-profile multi-stakeholder event on 1 April at Thekwini TVET College’s Melbourne Campus. The event brought together representatives from Durban University of Technology, Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority, and Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority, alongside other key partners. Roddy added:
“There’s a real opportunity here to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals. Thekwini TVET College is well positioned to become a leading centre for hydrogen technician training in KwaZulu-Natal, and UHI NWH is proud to play a pivotal role in this transformation. With support from research institutions and financial backing from EWSETA, we are bringing world-class training that aligns with industry needs."
Maria O’Connor, Principal of Thekwini TVET College, said:
“In a significant step toward advancing South Africa’s green energy transition, Thekwini TVET College has partnered with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to drive skills development and knowledge transfer in the emerging green hydrogen sector.
“The collaboration was formally showcased during an engagement session held on 1 April 2026 at Thekwini TVET College’s Melbourne Campus, bringing together international delegates, academic institutions, sector education bodies, and industry stakeholders, all united by a shared vision of positioning technical and vocational education at the forefront of South Africa’s green hydrogen economy.
“A unified message emerged: collaboration is not optional - it is essential. All stakeholders expressed firm commitment to jointly develop and implement green hydrogen skills programmes at Thekwini TVET College.
“Through this partnership, Thekwini TVET College is positioning itself as a national leader in green hydrogen training within the TVET sector, supporting economic growth, job creation, and decarbonisation.”
Pertunia Mothiba of the British Council added:
“The UHI visit to Thekwini College is a key milestone in the International Skills Partnership for green hydrogen. This project exemplifies the power of international collaboration, promoting shared learning, and knowledge exchange, and supporting South Africa’s transition to a sustainable, green economy.”
Plans for a reciprocal visit by Thekwini TVET College representatives to UHI NWH’s Stornoway campus later this year are already in motion.