Yeovil College Unveils Groundbreaking Hydrogen Lab and Advanced Engineering Centre
Yeovil College has officially launched its pioneering Hydrogen Lab (YC H2 LAB) and unveiled major investments in its Advanced Engineering Centre, marking a significant step forward in green energy and aerospace education.
The YC H2 Lab is the first of its kind in England, offering hydrogen-focused training across multiple sectors through a blend of online, classroom, and practical delivery. The lab is designed to upskill both existing professionals and new trainees to meet emerging competence standards in the green energy sector.
Initial training areas include:
- Hydrogen safety
- Hydrogen generation, storage, and distribution
- Principles of hydrogen facility operations (H2 gas safe)
- Hydrogen fuel cells for transport.
The lab also enables cross-curricular collaboration between Advanced Engineering, Construction, and Automotive Engineering, providing learners with hands-on experience using cutting-edge equipment.
Mark Bolton, Principal and CEO of Yeovil College, commented:
“The launch of the H2 Lab and our new engineering capabilities represents a bold leap into the future of technical education. We’re proud to be leading the way in hydrogen and aerospace training, preparing our learners for careers in sectors that are vital to the UK’s green economy.”
In addition to the lab, Yeovil College has invested £250,000 in hydrogen fuel cell training systems from leading didactic manufacturers, ensuring students gain practical insight into hydrogen technologies.
Further enhancing its engineering offer, the College has introduced a £400,000 Battery Evaluation Rig within its Advanced Engineering Centre. This state-of-the-art system allows learners to test battery performance under varying loads and temperatures, simulating conditions for future eVTOL and UAV flight. The rig is modular and adaptable for future hydrogen cell integration, aligning with the College’s long-term vision for sustainable aerospace innovation.