A new hydrogen apprenticeship scheme has been launched by GeoPura and Siemens Energy. The two companies have decided on creating this apprenticeship in order to draw more people into the hydrogen industry, as this area is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled personnel.

This project has taken off well so far, as GeoPura has already recruited four new apprentice engineers. These candidates will now start a four-year apprenticeship scheme which will be dedicated to achieving a Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. These apprentices will achieve this through working alongside Siemens Energy, who will have twelve apprentices working at its Newcastle facility.

Throughout this apprenticeship the candidates will go through a comprehensive initiative, which will involve studying at the TDR Training Centre based in Newcastle, as well as at the Siemens Energy manufacturing facility. Plus, the students will be on-site with the GeoPura engineers at various locations throughout the UK. This work will be performed to help provide zero-emission power for a variety of applications.

Stephen B. Harrison, the Found of sbh4 has put together detailed sessions which will be included in the apprenticeship courses. These courses are designed to provide introduction, education and analysis about the technologies which go into the production of green hydrogen and ammonia. The specific sessions will include, Ultra-Pure Water for Electrolysis, Mature Electrolysis Technologies for Green Hydrogen/Ammonia, Emerging Electrolysis Technologies and finally, Technologies for Green Ammonia.

CEO at GeoPura, Andrew Cunningham, commented that there is a need for training and retaining the skills required to expand and make an impact on decarbonising power generation, with one of the barriers being “the shortage of skilled individuals.” Cunningham has said that he believes the apprentice scheme will contribute to the company’s growth and play a “vital role in advancing the energy transition.”

Vice-President of Siemens Energy UK&I and Siemens Gamesa UK, Darren Davidson, mentioned, “During National Apprenticeship Week, it’s great to be able to shine a light on a fantastic, first of kind training scheme. The energy transition presents great opportunities for skills development, technological innovation, and collaboration. At Siemens Energy it’s our people that make the difference and it makes me proud to say our dedicated apprentices, working together with GeoPura, are playing a critical role in the UK’s journey to Net Zero.”