Jersey opens first net-zero training facility

Highlands College has launched a net-zero training facility in Jersey. The centre, developed with GTEC, provides resources to train and assess candidates to install air source heat pumps. On-island training and assessment aims to help Jersey installers upskill as well as train future apprentices.

The courses, and others being developed, align with an initiative to develop a Jersey-specific quality assurance scheme to approve contractors who want to carry out government-funded work as part of the new low-carbon heating incentive.

Tony Tyrer, Highlands College’s assistant principal, Planning and

Skills, says: “Highlands College plays a crucial role in the training and upskilling of Islanders: it is therefore imperative that we are responsive to the needs of the island.

“The government plans to bring into force legislation that updates current Building Regulations and sets increased energy efficiency and carbon emission standards, and prohibits new fossil-fuel boilers being installed in any property after 1 January 2026. We need to be training the workforce of the future now.”

Griff Thomas, MD of GTEC Training, adds: “We have been delighted to help set up and deliver training in partnership with Highlands College. There are some ambitious targets in Jersey for carbon reduction and this has to be underpinned by ensuring that installers have access to the high-quality training they need, without having to leave the island.”