Powering the future: how New City College is building the workforce for a net zero world
In episode 41 of The Decarbonisation Dialogue, find out how cutting-edge green skills labs to large-scale decarbonisation projects
Find out how cutting-edge green skills labs to large-scale decarbonisation projects, shape how education is stepping up to meet the climate challenge - and why optimism, talent and practical skills are key to success.
For Vince Glover, group director of strategic projects at New City College in East London, the mission is clear: sustainability cannot sit on the sidelines. It must be embedded into every decision, every investment and every opportunity to shape the future workforce.
Speaking on episode 41 of The Decarbonisation Dialogue podcast, Vince outlines a vision that places education at the heart of the UK’s transition to net zero - driven not just by policy, but by people, skills and a growing sense of purpose.
With nearly 25 years in education, spanning further education colleges, universities, independent training providers and sector skills councils, Vince has witnessed a profound shift.
In our podcast interview he tells us: “There’s definitely been a change. When I started out in the early 2000s, sustainability wasn’t front and centre. Now, organisations and individuals really want to make a difference. There’s a much stronger sense of responsibility and a desire to be part of positive change.”
Over the last decade New City College has grown significantly and now spans 11 campuses across East London and Essex. With close to 20,000 students and more than 2,000 staff, its scale brings both opportunity and responsibility.
Vince says: “When you grow that quickly, your environmental impact grows too. So the challenge is making sure sustainability keeps pace with expansion.”
Decarbonising at scale
One of the most tangible examples of that commitment is the college’s work to reduce emissions across its estate. By tapping into the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, delivered by our teams at Salix, the group has begun a major transformation of its infrastructure.
At its Redbridge and Epping campuses, the replacement of ageing gas boilers with state-of-the-art air source heat pumps has led to a reduction in gas consumption of more than 90%.
However, Vince says it is not just about hitting targets. He said: “It’s about creating environments that are better for our students and staff, places where people can learn and work comfortably, while also reducing our carbon footprint.”
A third project is already planned, continuing a long-term approach that prioritises durability and impact over quick fixes.
“We’re not interested in short-term solutions,” Vince says. “We’re focused on what’s going to last - for our communities, for our students and for the future.”
We’re not interested in short-term solutions
We’re focused on what’s going to last - for our communities, for our students and for the future.
Closing the green skills gap
But if infrastructure is one side of the equation, skills are the other and arguably the most urgent.
“The demand for low-carbon skills isn’t something in the future,” Vince says. “It’s here now. The question is: how do we build a workforce that’s ready?”
New City College’s answer has been to invest heavily in low-carbon skills labs across its campuses. These facilities are designed to mirror real-world environments, giving students hands-on experience with the latest technologies, from solar PV systems to heat pumps and thermal imaging tools.
For electricians, that means developing core competencies before specialising in renewable technologies. For plumbers, it involves working directly with solar thermal systems and modern heating solutions. Across the board, the emphasis is on practical learning.
“This isn’t about sitting in a classroom and learning theory. It’s about installation, maintenance, problem-solving, real skills that employers need right now.”
The college has also made a parallel investment in its teaching staff, ensuring they are fully upskilled and able to deliver training using the latest equipment and industry knowledge.
“You can’t prepare students for the future with outdated tools,” Vince says. “Everything we do is about staying current, staying relevant and staying connected to industry.”
That approach has already earned recognition, with the college receiving a Green Gown Award for its work in next-generation learning and skills.
Innovation driving opportunity
Innovation is a key part of the college’s strategy. One standout example is its pioneering work in drone technology - training students to use drones for applications such as thermal imaging and building analysis.
Vince says: “It’s a great example of how fast things are evolving. “We’re not just teaching people how to install systems, we’re teaching them how to assess buildings, understand energy performance and use new tools to improve efficiency.”
A system that works together
For Vince, however, success depends on more than individual institutions. It requires alignment between education providers, employers and policymakers.
“We work closely with employers and with organisations like the Greater London Authority to define what skills are needed,” he explains. “That connection is critical. Without it, you risk training people for jobs that don’t exist or missing the ones that do.”
It’s a lesson learned over decades in the sector: disconnected systems lead to missed opportunities. Joined-up thinking, by contrast, creates pathways into meaningful employment and drives real economic impact.
It’s easy to get bogged down in negativity
But we focus on momentum, on celebrating progress and a lot of that comes from our students.
If there’s one thing we need to do, it’s properly embed sustainability across all levels of education, from early years through to adult learning. That’s how you build awareness, skills and long-term change.
A positive path forward
Despite the scale of the climate challenge, Vince is clear about one thing: the importance of optimism.
“It’s easy to get bogged down in negativity,” he says. “But we focus on momentum, on celebrating progress and a lot of that comes from our students.”
Student-led initiatives and engagement have become a powerful force within the college, helping to embed sustainability not just as a policy, but as a culture.
Ultimately, Vince believes the biggest opportunity lies in education itself.
“If there’s one thing we need to do, it’s properly embed sustainability across all levels of education, from early years through to adult learning,” he says. “That’s how you build awareness, skills and long-term change.”
It’s a challenge that requires coordination, commitment and consistency.
It’s clear that at the heart of the net zero transition is not just technology or policy but people. Skilled, motivated and ready to make a difference.
And that, Vince believes, is something worth feeling positive about.
The Decarbonisation Dialogue
Let us know what you think of The Decarbonisation Dialogue. If you have ideas for guests or other podcast suggestions, please contact us at podcast [email protected]
We’d love to know what you think.
All episodes are available for streaming or download from your preferred podcast platform including Apple, Amazon and Spotify. The recordings are also available from our website.
