The development of hydrogen fuel cell technology presents new opportunities for carbon-free fuelling of large vehicles in particular such as those operated by companies in the logistics and transport industries. It also presents opportunities for colleges to support local businesses such as haulage companies and coach operators to make the most of the new technology.
The hydrogen fuel opportunity was of particular interest to North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) and in 2022, supported by a Strategic Development Fund grant, NWSLC approached local companies to discuss how the college could support them with the knowledge and skills their workforce needed to transition towards this new technology.
National Express are operators of Public Service Vehicles and Hydrogen Vehicle Systems are developing hydrogen heavy goods vehicles. Working with both gives us two perspectives and experiences of hydrogen vehicles, including both the operational and the research and development perspectives so we can meet training needs in a holistic approach.
In collaboration with these companies, two programmes were developed to meet different specific needs which businesses could choose from depending on where a business was in their adoption or transition. A one-day Introduction to Hydrogen course focused on awareness raising of the opportunities presented by hydrogen powered HGVs including how to make the organisation ready, what factors to consider, how it might affect the business. A three-day course covered the use of hydrogen vehicles in more depth and supported learners with their operational skills needed to use the vehicles. This course was a practical user guide including ignition, manoeuvring, refuelling and managing the risks, not least around working with the high pressures involved. Carrying out risk assessments and safety precautions were part of the package.
To expand the course offer, NWSLC is partnering with National Express who are early adopters in this field, to develop a further three-day course on Hydrogen Vehicle Systems vehicles. Informed by the needs of National Express, this course extends to include a service and maintenance package.
In order to keep ahead in an area where technology is changing, NWSLC believe that collaboration with key industry partners is the key to success. National Express is working in the Hydrogen fuel cell space for a couple of years, and they have an ongoing discussion with the college about their training needs so the college can understand the company’s problems and work with them to find the right training solutions. This is a mutual learning situation where its beneficial for the business and the training provider to work together.
Craig Line, the college’s Emerging Technologies Delivery Manager said: I reached out to National Express and Hydrogen Vehicle Systems as they are active in the operation and research/development of Hydrogen public service vehicle and heavy goods vehicles. My goal is to ensure that the courses I develop align with both local and national training requirements. By collaborating closely with employers, I aim to identify any skills gaps in hydrogen vehicle service, maintenance, and repair. This proactive approach will enable North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving landscape of decarbonising transportation in the UK.
Craig Line, Emerging Technologies Delivery Manager
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College
