AoC Monthly Spotlight: Hugh Baird College powers green careers through industry collaboration

This month, we are shining a spotlight on Hugh Baird College, whose innovative partnership with E.ON and Peel Ports Group is helping to shape the future of green careers in the Liverpool City Region.

Through this collaboration, students have gained direct access to industry expertise, hands-on experience with renewable technologies, and a deeper understanding of the skills needed in the growing green economy. Over the past year, more than 150 learners aged 16-18 have taken part in E.ON-led careers events, exploring technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps, and EV charging infrastructure. Feedback from these sessions showed a marked increase in both awareness and interest in green careers.

The partnership has also extended beyond the classroom. In March, nearly 100 students participated in the region's first-ever Green Skills Day, delivered during National Careers Week with support from E.ON volunteers. The event combined technical learning with the development of vital transferable skills like communication and problem-solving.
Students and staff also visited the Port of Liverpool, home to the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar installation, featuring 63,000 solar panels and saving 6,500 tonnes of CO2 annually. The visit offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the scale and complexity of large-scale renewable energy projects.

Importantly, the collaboration is influencing curriculum design. E.ON’s Net Zero Academy team has worked with college staff to embed up-to-date industry insights into teaching and learning, ensuring students are equipped for high-demand roles in the green sector.

This work builds on a standout year for Hugh Baird College, which was awarded an Ofsted Outstanding rating earlier in 2025, one of only three colleges in the North West to achieve this distinction. The college also ranked No.1 nationally for Tech Level 3 Progress, achieved a 99% A-level pass rate, and delivered 100% pass rates across many vocational areas.

By working closely with employers, Hugh Baird College is not only preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, it is helping to build a more sustainable future for the region and beyond.