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From Retrofit to Renewables
South Essex Colleges Group launches Clean Energy Centres to support Essex’s low-carbon workforce
South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) is strengthening its commitment to the region’s low-carbon future through its Clean Energy Centres, operating as one connected, industry-led hub for sustainable construction and renewable technologies across Essex.
Based at Basildon College and Thurrock College, the centres are equipping learners and employers with the practical expertise required to deliver the UK’s clean energy transition.
Meeting Essex’s construction boom with future-ready skills
Essex is experiencing significant construction growth, driven by major infrastructure developments including the Lower Thames Crossing, Thames Freeport and improvements to the A120, alongside expanding housing and commercial projects across Chelmsford, Basildon, Harlow and Colchester.
Consultation with employers has identified strong demand for skilled professionals trained in sustainable construction, renewable installation technologies such as solar PV and heat pumps, digital construction methods, and retrofit and decarbonisation expertise.
SECG’s Clean Energy Centres respond directly to these needs, aligning training provision with regional growth and national net zero priorities.
Basildon: Renewable installation training
The Clean Energy Centre at Basildon College is a specialist training hub designed to support the growing demand for professionals integrating green technologies into buildings and homes.
Using live systems and purpose-built installation bays, learners gain hands-on experience in technologies including air source heat pumps, solar PV and solar thermal systems, electric vehicle charging installations, electrical design and verification, and low-carbon heating systems.
Programmes support both experienced tradespeople transitioning into renewables and new entrants developing core electrical, plumbing and heating skills.
Thurrock: Retrofit and low-carbon innovation
The Clean Energy Centre at Thurrock College provides a purpose-built training environment designed to replicate real domestic and commercial retrofit and low-carbon installations.
Built around fully operational systems, the centre enables learners to gain practical experience of technologies shaping the UK’s energy transition, including energy efficiency improvements, smart energy monitoring and renewable energy generation.
A launch event held at Thurrock College was attended by local employers, regional partners and the MP for Thurrock, Jen Craft, who performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests also included Quantum, the company responsible for building and equipping the centre, alongside members of the college’s Senior Leadership Team.
Denise Brown, Group CEO of South Essex Colleges Group, said “These centres reflect our commitment to meeting local and national skills needs through high-quality, industry-standard training. By investing in specialist facilities across Basildon and Thurrock, we are helping learners gain the knowledge and practical experience they need to succeed, while also supporting employers who need a skilled workforce for the transition to low-carbon technologies.”
Training at Thurrock includes retrofit qualifications, construction and built environment programmes, and specialist clean energy courses covering solar PV installation, domestic energy solutions and air source heat pump technology.
Investing in the workforce of the future
The Group is also investing in expanded Construction and Built Environment facilities to ensure learners train in environments that reflect current industry practice.
The development will include expanded workshops, renewable installation rigs, energy efficiency testing equipment and dedicated digital construction learning zones, supporting modern methods of construction and sustainable building practices.
Jayne Sheehan, Vice Group CEO, South Essex Colleges Group, said “We are grateful to the Office for Students for the capital grant which has enabled us to create these training spaces and work closely with employers to prepare the workforce of the future in renewables and retrofit.”
One vision for clean energy skills
Together, the Clean Energy Centres at Basildon and Thurrock operate as a unified regional hub, helping employers upskill their workforce, supporting tradespeople transitioning into renewables, and enabling learners to build careers in one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors.
For training and employer enquiries:
