The facility has opened its doors to employers underlining the region’s commitment to sustainable technology and workforce development.
Special guest speaker, Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary and MP for Swindon South, highlighted the importance of regional training providers in delivering the skills needed for a low-carbon economy.
She said: “This is a vital step on the way to building an ecosystem that will ensure Swindon can really capitalise on the jobs needed for the future and get our economy firing on all cylinders.
“What the Green Technology Hub can offer, with its range of electric vehicle courses, means that local people can upskill and take the next step in their career.”
The move makes New College Swindon the only provider of EV training courses in the region.
Swindon is currently ranked joint second, just behind London, in NatWest’s latest report on UK climate tech hotspots.
The college’s various courses, including those in construction, engineering, motor vehicle, and professional services, are designed to meet the needs of businesses across Swindon and Wiltshire.
Matt Butcher, vice principal of commercial skills and partnerships, said: “The new centre makes NCS a major hub for EV training for Swindon and Wiltshire, as the only major provider for many miles.
“Our commitment to sustainable technology is critical as we know that businesses need these skills today and in the future.”
With the UK’s transition to electric vehicles speeding up, the demand for qualified EV technicians is on the rise.
Industry estimates foresee a requirement for over 75,000 EV mechanics nationally by 2030 to meet this increasing demand.
This shift to green transport, while essential for reducing carbon emissions, also highlights a significant skills gap in the current workforce.
The EV training courses at the Green Technology Hub aim to address this gap, equipping learners with the technical expertise required to maintain and develop sustainable transport solutions.
The opening of the Green Technology Hub sits alongside the college’s broader Net Zero commitments and its strategic focus on sustainability.
Its flexible learning approach is designed to adapt to future innovations, keeping the college at the forefront of environmental education.
The college is actively recruiting for its new EV courses, which complement its wider portfolio of ‘future tech’ programmes.
These courses are designed to enable local people to gain high-level technical skills in a dynamic, innovative, and supportive learning environment.
For further information on the Green Technology Hub and available courses, visit the New College Swindon website.
