Yeovil College Unveils First‑of‑Its‑Kind Hydrogen Training Lab for the South West

Yeovil College has taken a major step in supporting the region’s transition to clean energy with the launch of its new Hydrogen Lab (YC H2 LAB), a first‑of‑its‑kind training facility in England designed to accelerate hydrogen skills, innovation and workforce readiness across multiple sectors.

Final commissioning of the YC H2 LAB is now underway following the delivery of the main training pod in December. The facility will provide a comprehensive suite of hydrogen training programmes for industry, delivered through a blend of online learning, classroom teaching and hands‑on practical experience.

The new lab places Yeovil College at the forefront of the South West’s rapidly expanding hydrogen ecosystem. The region already leads the UK in the number of hydrogen projects underway, supported by major national players including the IAAPS Centre, the National Composites Centre, and the Hydrogen Skills Alliance (a coalition of more than 50 organisations), working to address national skills gaps and drive innovation.

The YC H2 LAB builds on a proven model first implemented in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in Northern Ireland, where hydrogen training has become a cornerstone of the area’s economic growth strategy. By adopting and enhancing this approach, Yeovil College is ensuring that local employers and learners can access the emerging professional competence standards required for the green energy transition.

Training for the Future Hydrogen Workforce

The initial programme offer will focus on the core skills industry needs most urgently, including:

• Hydrogen safety
• Hydrogen generation, storage and distribution
• Principles of hydrogen facilities (H2 Gas Safe)
• Hydrogen fuel cells for transport and aerospace

The lab also enables cross‑curricular learning across Advanced Engineering, Construction and Automotive Engineering, ensuring students and existing professionals can develop the multidisciplinary skills essential for future hydrogen applications.

Supporting Regional Competitiveness

As the South West positions itself as a national leader in low‑carbon innovation, including the Bath‑led GW‑SHIFT hydrogen supercluster (recently awarded £2.5 million in funding), the YC H2 LAB strengthens the region’s ability to secure investment, attract industry partners and grow a skilled workforce.

By equipping learners and employers with cutting‑edge hydrogen knowledge, Yeovil College is helping the South West maintain a competitive advantage in one of the UK’s fastest‑growing clean energy sectors.

More information on the lab can be accessed here