Hydrogen Safe Continues Work with South Essex Colleges Group to Deliver Hydrogen-Focused Qualifications

Hydrogen Safe, the hydrogen safety training specialist, is continuing its work in partnership with the South Essex Colleges Group to deliver its condensed Level 3 and newly launched Level 4 course in Hydrogen Safety Practices to 115 apprentices and students.

Made possible thanks to funding from Thames Freeport’s Skills Accelerator, a collaboration between colleges across East London and the South East will provide a clear pathway for Engineering apprentices and students, equipping them with the knowledge they need to work safely with and around hydrogen.

In addition to the courses, apprentices, students, tutors and employers will also receive access to Hydrogen Safe’s new license-based learner management system, which includes a package of short e-modules on topics in clean energy.

There will be three cohorts of the condensed Level 3, the first at Barking and Dagenham College for students on their 16-19 study programme. The second cohort will be with Harlow College and the third with South Essex Colleges Group.

Furthermore, in January and February 2026, there will be one cohort that will take the Level 4 Hydrogen Safety Practices qualification, which was developed during the programme of activity delivered in 2024/25, providing them with a more comprehensive insight as they consider career opportunities in the future.

Director of Partnerships from Hydrogen Safe, Elizabeth Simon, comments:

“Following the work that has already been delivered, we are very pleased to continue this innovative collaboration as we bring the latest qualifications to Engineering students that will be some of the first to work safely with and around hydrogen.

“Upskilling the future workforce needs to be a priority, and we are very pleased to join forces with the South Essex Colleges Group to make this happen. As some of the first to access our new learner management system, we are very pleased to provide these delegates with ongoing learning resources.”

Jayne Sheehan, Vice Group CEO and Innovation & Employer Engagement Lead for South Essex Colleges Group, comments:

“The collaborations between College Groups and Freeports demonstrate a commitment to the new Government’s missions of increasing economic growth, breaking down barriers to opportunity and becoming an energy superpower.

“With our close ties to employers, access to industry-standard equipment and technology, and expertise in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy, we are well placed to address the skills gaps to meet net zero and develop a skilled workforce for the future.”

Members of Hydrogen UK; the Hydrogen Energy Association; Hydrogen South West; and the Net Zero Skills Advisory Board, as well as being a corporate partner of the Greater Manchester Mayors Charity, Hydrogen Safe works with businesses, education providers and individuals to develop and provide tailored solutions that align with their training needs.