Skills Bootcamp in Net Zero and Smart Energy Transition

In this course you will cover: 

• Everything from fundamental net zero concepts to advanced smart energy solutions and the latest in policy developments. 
• Benefit from the wisdom and experience of leading instructors and industry pioneers who bring invaluable real-world insights to the classroom.
• Whether you are looking to build on your current skill set or pivot towards a new sustainability role, the bootcamp paves the way for career opportunities such as sustainability manager, climate change officer, and beyond.
• Engage in practical, hands-on experiences like critiquing consultancy reports and implementing net-zero strategies within organisations.  

Fully funded places are available for certain eligible applicants. To be eligible for the funded version of this course, you must meet the criteria detailed in the fees and eligibility section below. 

• Industry-backed & relevant: Built with West Midlands leaders, ensuring you learn in-demand skills.
• Expert-led: Gain insights from our academics and expert practitioners  
• Future-focused: Dive deep into net zero, smart grids, renewable energy, and more.
• UK-leading demonstrator: Understand our leading on-site energy network and AI systems
• Action-oriented: Develop practical skills to drive real change in your organization.
• Flexible learning: Blend online modules with in-person workshops for a rich experience. 

Who is this course for? 

• Future thinking organisations developing their net zero strategies.
• Professionals and individuals seeking to transition into the net zero and smart energy sector.
• Anyone passionate about making a positive impact on the planet. 

Qualification

• Gain 45 University credits at Level 5 study. 

This course is delivered mainly online with a mixture of synchronous (at a specific time) and asynchronous (completed at any time) activity. Online training is delivered Mondays 15:00-17:00. Two days at Keele will be delivered at the end of the course and be decided by members of the course of the first day. 

Course breakdown 

Part One: Introduction to net zero and climate change (Weeks 1-4) 

• Introduction to net zero 
• The basics of climate change 
• Identifying climate misinformation 
• Driving sustainable development 
• International and national policy 
• Global and national climate law 
• Barriers to action 
• Optional assessment: 700 word sector analysis  

Part Two: Delivering net zero in your organisation (Weeks 5-8) 

• Life cycle assessments 
• Using LCAs for your organisation 
• Introduction to carbon footprinting 
• Completing an organisational carbon audit
• Policies and frameworks to audit emissions 
• Energy legislation in the UK 
• How to monitor your energy usage 
• Optional assessment: 700 word organisation evaluation 

Part Three: Supporting the net zero transition (Weeks 9-12) 

• Organisational influence on net zero 
• Net zero procurement and supply chains 
• Embedding net zero into deep engagement 
• Communicating climate action 
• Speaking to different demographics 
• Case studies of success 
• Introduction to green finance 
• Optional assessment: 700 words improving your sustainability plans 

Part Four: Smart Energy transition (Weeks 13-16) 

• Introduction to smart energy 
• Renewable energy futures 
• Hydrogen's role in tomorrow's economy 
• Energy management in practice 
• EVs and EV charging 
• New models of decarbonisation
• Tour of Low Carbon Energy Generation Park
• Optional assessments: Understanding smart energy in your organisation 

Our expertise

Keele University was awarded Global Sustainability Institution of the Year 2021 at the International Green Gown Awards. Sustainability is central to our research, education, campus and operations and we are committed to embedding sustainability into everything we do. 

Keele’s Smart Energy Network Demonstrator, HyDeploy and Low Carbon Generation Projects have all worked with the regional industry base to address climate action on the university campus, as well as pass on knowledge and learning. 

The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) launched at Keele in 2018, bringing together sustainability expertise across the university from all disciplines. ISF works closely with non-academic partners to tackle solutions to real sustainability challenges, and integrates research, education and practice activities.  

The CPD on this Skills Bootcamp is also informed by Keele University’s research and development experience, drawing upon nationally-leading research such as Smart Local Energy System design through the InnovateUK funded Zero Carbon Rugeley, the gas industry-led HyDeploy hydrogen blending project, and Europe's largest Smart Energy Network Demonstrator and integrated Low Carbon Energy Generation park at Keele University, all working closely with industrial partners. 

Our bootcamps were recognised in 2023 by Ofsted as Outstanding as a result of the quality of the education offered.  

Teaching Staff

Tom Bedford (Keele University)

Tom will be your main point of contact throughout this course.  Tom has a BSc in Environment and Sustainability and an MSc in Global Sustainability Solutions. With extensive experience in the net zero transition including delivering key renewable energy projects, supporting local authorities on their net zero transitions and net zero consultancy in the private sector, Tom supports several key organisations in the region, playing a critical role in the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Climate Commission and sitting on the Board of Directors for Chase Community Solar. In recent years, Tom has conducted research on the net zero transition with a focus on place-based decarbonisation, addressing Midlands skills deficits, improving governance for the transition and addressing the twin challenges of climate change and social justice.  

Professor Zoe Robinson

Zoe is a Professor of Sustainability in Higher Education and Director of the Institute for Sustainable Futures at Keele University. She also held the role of University Director of Education for Sustainability for 10 years with responsibility for embedding sustainability across the curriculum and student experience.

View Prof Robinson's Keele profile

Dr Richard Waller

Richard completed a BSc in Geography at the University of Oxford followed by a PhD at Southampton exploring ice field debris. Seeing the impact of climate change on these environments, Richard has transitioned to work in the net zero space with a focus on net zero technologies in particular transport solutions.  

View Dr Waller's Keele profile

Dr Ellie Harrison

Having graduated with a BSc in Animal Biology and Conservation Ellie started working as an Ecological Consultant, helping a range of protected species in the UK. Since this Ellie has completed a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Ellie is now a lecturer in Ecology and brings critical insights on the intersection between biodiversity and climate change. 

View Dr Harrison's Keele profile

Matt Dean

Since completing an electrical engineering apprenticeship with Siemens before starting at Keele, Matt has developed extensive hands-on experience in energy systems management. Matt plays a critical role in managing the renewable energy systems and smart energy integration. His expertise helps users understand the practical application of net zero solutions.  

Eligibility

To be eligible for the funded version of this course you must meet the following criteria: 

• You are over 19 years old
• You have a right to live and work in the UK  
• You have lived in the UK for the last three years (certain visa exemptions apply) 
• You live in the West Midlands (places)  
• You have not completed a funded skills bootcamp in the last financial year 

Fees

• Skills Bootcamps are part-funded by the Department for Education. 
• For learners independent of an organisation and looking to find work within 6 months of completing the bootcamp, this bootcamp is free of charge.
• For self-employed learners looking to use these skills in their business this course is free of charge.  
• For learners employed in an SME (less than 250 staff) 10% of the course fee is required, currently £390.
• For learners employed in large organisations (250 or more staff) 30% of the course fee is required, currently £1,170.
• For learners in employment, your employers must be willing to discuss course outcomes with Keele University with the aim of increasing the responsibility of your staff after the course.  

Financial support

Keele University recognises that fees may limit your organisation's participation in this course. To enable your participation, we offer a full bursary on a case-by-case basis. We particularly invite SMEs, non-profits and VSCEs to apply for a full bursary.

You will have access to a wide range of student support such as academic skills support, Keele University’s Careers and Employability Service, including 24/7 digital resources and Student Services, plus access to LinkedIn Learning to continue your professional development. You will continue to have support from our Careers and Employability service for three years after completing the Skills Bootcamp. 

We have produced an academic skills and personal learning toolkit to support you as a work-based learner. As part of this you will undertake a skills audit at the beginning of the Skills Bootcamp so you can identify your strengths and prioritise access to resources, to support your specific areas of focus. 

There is additional support from our dedicated School and Faculty Student Experience Support Officers (SESOs), with the designated mature students SESO holding a specific remit for supporting our work-based learning community, providing a direct contact link to support. 

"I loved the format of a two-hour taught session each week with the flexibility to do additional study. I also really enjoyed the two face-to-face days on campus at Keele University. I learned so much, and things that related to my personal life as well as business. It has changed my outlook and helped me focus on small changes that make big differences that I’m now imparting on my family and colleagues.

"I am sharing my new knowledge on Carbon Net Zero and Smart Energy options as we work to deliver the pipeline which includes new Rollercoasters, some smaller rides, new and rethemed Indoor immersive attractions, waterparks, hotels, Sealife Centres, to name a few.”

Merlin Entertainment

"The course has really helped me clarify what needs to be done to reach net zero and helped answer some of the challenging questions which we are now being asked as an organisation.  This is particularly important for TMT First in our mission to be industry leaders in sustainability.

"I have put my newfound knowledge to good use to aid in the development of our organisation’s net zero strategy more broadly.  I’ve also gained insight as to how we as a company can reduce our impact going forwards and have a range of ideas which we could take forward to make a difference on our organisational emissions."

TMT First

"The training was detailed without being overwhelming, and helped me build a good base to work on climate related issues moving forward. It was tangible and digestible, whilst also broadening my knowledge. I learnt a lot and now know where to find the right tools and resources to work towards change."

BBC Radio Producer

"The training really helped in my overall understanding in the areas of Smart Energy and Net Zero and gave me more confidence in expressing my views and findings to colleagues at all levels of my organisation."

Johnsons Tiles

"I found it easy to follow your brilliant online sessions and enjoyed the Breakout Room chats / listening to others and what they are doing for their organisations. And found the online Keele Learning Environment so convenient and the knowledge was easily accessible - I was so glad that recordings were uploaded for me to revisit all that knowledge.  I was glad of the 2 days in-person training as well at the University.  It was wonderful to actually see the great energy solutions actually reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases in real time, and in a real working life Environment, so great to hear about other examples actually already implemented and working for whole UK."

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