Centre for Technology at Bedford College is playing a leading role in introducing Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Built Environment training into the Further Education curricula. Bedford College is home to the country’s only Skills for Energy CoVE (Centre of Vocational Excellence), and is also a nationally recognised Centre of Vocational Excellence in Plumbing and Mechanical Services and House Building for the Future.

The college’s innovative and technologically advanced curriculum meets the ever increasing demand for renewable energy. A wide range of short courses for industry are offered to organisations and individuals throughout the year.

Bedford is one of a handful of providers in the country to offer the City & Guilds accredited course in the installation and testing of Photovoltaic Systems (PV) and the BPEC Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW) Installation Course.

The four day solar electricity course entitled Installing & Testing Domestic Photovoltaic Systems covers domestic system installation within prescribed specifications. Individuals learn about safety and wiring regulations and code of practice, system components, commissioning and testing. Assessment is through practical and written assignments, and on successful completion candidates receive a City & Guilds certificate.

The Solar Domestic Hot Water Installation course is offered as a 3 day or 2 day course and covers the majority of existing types of SDHW systems that an installer in the UK is likely to come across. Course contents include regulations and standards, safety, SDHW system components, fixing surfaces, installation, commissioning, customer care and service issues. The 3 day course also includes working at heights. Successful completion of the written and practical assessment will lead to a BPEC qualification.

Further courses on offer include Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems, Water Regulations Training, Certificate in Sustainable Development, Developing Environmental Awareness and many others.

The college was the first in the UK to pilot the new Comp TIA course on Digital Home Technology Integration - technology that is revolutionising the way we work and live. DHTI is seen as the key to improving efficiency and productivity of businesses while reducing reliance on transport.

In addition to short courses, environmental training at Bedford is also incorporated into its mainstream courses as well as apprenticeship programmes. Examples include energy efficiency measures relating to the built environment, the use of control and communications technologies to conserve energy in buildings and transport, and alternative fuel technologies for transport (e.g. bio diesel, hybrid, electric, fuel cell).

We offer flexible and accessible vocational training opportunities to suit the needs of employers and groups of individuals in state of the art workshops by highly skilled and experienced staff. Contact us on 01234 291000 to find out more.

Contact:

Janet Millar. Project Co-ordinator, Skills for Energy CoVE. 

Email: jmillar@bedford.ac.uk

Web Link: www.skills4energy.co.uk