West Lothian College has joined forces with Mitsubishi Electric in an exciting new partnership aimed at tackling a shortage of workers trained to install heat pumps- a key technology in the move toward a greener future.
This unique partnership is helping students and staff learn the latest green energy skills in a way that blends classroom lessons with real-world experience.
Learners start with online training, then get hands-on practice at Mitsubishi Electric’s state-of-the-art training centre in Livingston, Scotland, using virtual reality (VR) to safely simulate complex tasks.
The programme is now part of the college’s plumbing and engineering courses, and by aligning educational delivery with the latest industry practices, it prepares students for real jobs, supports new climate goals, and helps create a more sustainable future for everyone.
Steven Morrison, Director for Computing, Engineering and Built Environment at West Lothian College, said: “This partnership with Mitsubishi Electric represents exactly the kind of innovative collaboration we need to address the skills gap in green energy technologies. I've seen firsthand how this programme has transformed our students' learning experience - combining cutting-edge VR technology with real-world application has given them invaluable hands-on skills that employers are actively seeking.
“Working together with industry leaders like Mitsubishi Electric is key to achieving our net zero ambitions. Our staff have also benefited enormously from this training, enabling them to deliver the most current industry practices directly to our learners. The response from both students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're excited to continue building on this successful partnership in the coming year. This is exactly how education should work- preparing our students not just for today's jobs, but for the green economy of tomorrow.”
College staff also take part in the same training, staying up-to-date with the latest tools, techniques, and technologies. This helps them teach with more confidence and give students the best possible start in the growing green energy sector.
Lance Hitchins, Head of Customer Experience at Mitsubishi Electric, said: “We are thrilled to be working with West Lothian College in a partnership to ensure that today’s young learners have access to the training and knowledge needed to build a greener and more sustainable future.
“Heat pumps have become the de facto renewable heating and hot water system for homes. As such, there is an urgent need for trained and accredited heat pump installers. Offering hands-on training, including using pioneering VR technology, from the Mitsubishi Electric factory complex and training centre in Livingston, the largest manufacturer of heat pumps in the UK, learners are fully immersed in the world of heat pumps.”
