Blackburn College Among First Institutions to Pilot Hydrogen Qualification

We are thrilled to announce that we are among the first institutions in the country to pilot the Level 2 Hydrogen Qualification.

Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of hosting representatives from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the awarding body for this qualification. During their visit, they assessed the delivery of the course and evaluated the safety measures we’ve implemented, leaving impressed with what they saw.

As we are the first college in the country to pilot  this qualification, our students will soon be getting a head start in hydrogen-focused training. The automotive sector has already started the process of integrating hydrogen features, similar to what we see proposed for heavy-good vehicles.

Michael Yerbury, Hydrogen Technical Trainer at HEAT at Blackburn College, shared his excitement: 

"This is fantastic news as it keeps our curriculum ahead of industry trends, giving students hands-on experience with the latest advancements in Hydrogen and Electric Vehicle Technology. Big names like BMW and Hyundai are working on hydrogen innovations, and with new releases expected in the next year or two, it’s really important for our students to be comfortable with clean energy systems.”

Safety measures in place include environmental sensors to detect gas leaks and a ventilation system to keep the learning environment safe and secure.

Additionally, the college is actively developing safety standards and training personnel for EV qualifications, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the future of automotive technology.