Blackburn College among first to pilot hydrogen qualification

Blackburn College, home to the first hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle further education training rig in England, has now become one of the first institutions in the country to pilot a Level 2 Hydrogen qualification.

The qualification is accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), a professional body for people in the automotive field, and will be delivered in Blackburn College’s state-of-the-art Hybrid Electric Automotive Training (HEAT) Centre.

Learners will train using HEAT’s fully interactive Toyota Mirai training rig, which was installed with funding from the Department for Education to support the motor industry in getting ahead with training and upskilling to equip garages and dealerships with the level of skills required to service the cars of tomorrow.

As the UK swiftly moves towards net zero by 2035, car owners will soon have to choose between a battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

FCEVs, much like BEVs, are considered zero-emission vehicles. However, unlike BEVs, hydrogen vehicles can be ‘refueled’ in the same ways petrol and diesel cars can – making them a much more convenient choice for consumers.

Hence, hydrogen vehicles are set to play a role in the decarbonisation of UK transport.

The Level 2 qualification is designed for those who may encounter hydrogen vehicles and require safety awareness. The college hopes to pursue a Level 3 qualification once the pilot is complete.

Michael Yerbury, hydrogen technical trainer at HEAT at Blackburn College, said: "This is fantastic news as it keeps our curriculum ahead of the industry, 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.”

Dr Fazal Dad, principal and chief executive of Blackburn College, said: “To be chosen to pilot this qualification at Blackburn College is a testament to our commitment to developing new knowledge and skills for the next generation of motor vehicle technicians. We look forward to seeing this offer continue to expand.”