Partnership will tackle heat pump installer shortage
9th June 2025
UK: West Lothian College has joined forces with Mitsubishi Electric in a partnership aimed at tackling a shortage of workers trained to install heat pumps.
The partnership is designed to help 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 to safely simulate complex tasks.
“This partnership with Mitsubishi Electric represents exactly the kind of innovative collaboration we need to address the skills gap in green energy technologies,” said Steven Morrison, West Lothian College’s director for computing, engineering and built environment. “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.
“Our staff have also benefited enormously from this training, enabling them to deliver the most current industry practices directly to our learners.”
College staff are also taking part in the same training, staying up-to-date with the latest tools, techniques, and technologies. This is said to enable them to teach with more confidence and give students the best possible start in the growing green energy sector.
