HUGH Baird College is working in partnership with E.ON and Peel Ports Group to inspire their students and prepare them for careers in the growing green economy.  

The collaboration has given learners unique opportunities over the past year to engage with industry experts, gain practical experience and see how large-scale renewable energy projects are shaping the future of the Liverpool City Region. 

This builds on what has already been a remarkable year for the College. Hugh Baird College was awarded an Ofsted Outstanding rating earlier in 2025, a recognition held by only three colleges in the North West, which places it among the top 10% nationally. The College was also ranked the No.1 further education college in the country for Tech Level 3 Progress, achieved a 99% A-level pass rate and delivered 100% pass rates across many vocational areas. 

The partnership with E.ON and Peel Ports has already had a direct impact on learners. More than 150 students aged 16–18 attended an E.ON-led careers event at the College, where they learned about sustainable technologies including solar panels, heat pumps and electric vehicle charging. They also gained hands-on experience with smart meters and EV chargers. Survey feedback showed significant increases in student knowledge and interest in green careers, with awareness of renewable energy rising from 60% to 75% and interest in pursuing a green job in the future growing from 66% to 77%. 

In March, nearly 100 students took part in Sefton’s 1st ever Green Skills Day, held during National Careers Week. Delivered in collaboration with E.ON volunteers, the event introduced technical skills while also building important transferable skills such as communication and problem-solving.  

Emma Griffiths, Curriculum Manager at Hugh Baird College, expressed her gratitude for the support provided by E.ON:- “Your passion, enthusiasm, time and effort into planning such informative and interactive sessions was extremely beneficial in raising awareness and inspiring our learners, whilst enhancing their skills, knowledge and behaviours for industry.” 

Students and staff also visited the Port of Liverpool to see the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar installation, delivered by E.ON and Peel Ports Group. The project includes 63,000 solar panels which save 6,500 tonnes of CO2e each year – the equivalent of removing more than 2,250 cars from the road. The visit gave learners a rare insight into the design, supply chain and career opportunities involved in large-scale renewable projects. 

The collaboration has also influenced the College’s teaching. E.ON’s Net Zero Academy team recently took part in staff development activities, sharing the latest insights on the skills and qualifications employers are seeking. This knowledge is being embedded into curriculum planning to ensure students are prepared for high-demand roles in the sector. 

Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director of Port Services at Peel Ports Group, said:- “It’s fantastic to open up the Port of Liverpool to students and show them 1st-hand the scale of our renewable energy projects. Working with E.ON, we’re not only cutting carbon with initiatives like the UK’s largest rooftop solar installation but also helping to inspire future careers in the green economy.” 

Amy Holbrook, Social Value Manager at E.ON, added:- “What’s so great about our work with the students from Hugh Baird College is the sheer enthusiasm and thirst for learning about what a green career in an organisation like E.ON could look like. Not only can students witness 1st-hand the scale of what’s possible through the Peel Ports project, but through our interactive workshops, the students can get really stuck into understanding just how varied, fascinating and rewarding a green career can be.”