A new partnership between Milton Keynes College Group and Santander UK aims to accelerate the city’s transition to a greener economy by funding free training for electricians and professionals in emerging green technologies.

The bank has pledged £50,000 in bursaries to help local electricians upskill in areas such as energy storage systems, electric vehicle charge point installation, and solar panel fitting. Training will take place at the College Group’s Green Skills Centre, which opened recently to deliver specialist education in low-carbon technologies.

Alongside electrical training, the partnership will also open opportunities for residents and businesses across Milton Keynes to access sustainability-focused leadership and management courses, designed to help organisations embed greener practices.

Caroline Indge, Head of Partnerships and Innovation at Milton Keynes College Group, said: “We’re most grateful to Santander for their generosity in providing these bursaries, which will pay for electrical professionals to learn these highly sought-after skills. Electrification is key to reducing emissions, and the non-electrical courses will give individuals and companies a real edge in this growth area.”

David Wilkins, Head of School for Construction and Engineering, added that the courses will help businesses future-proof their operations: “Demand for low-carbon technologies is rising fast. Getting trained now ensures electricians have the skills to stay competitive and keeps Milton Keynes ahead of the game.”

From Santander’s perspective, the funding supports both economic and environmental goals.
Fiona Hyde, Head of Sustainability at Santander UK, said: “We’re proud to fund these bursaries, giving local electricians the opportunity to gain new skills that will make a real difference to the real economy. It’s about turning ambition into action and helping local communities to build resilience together.”

Industry input into the programme has come from Ruth Devine MBE, Managing Director of Milton Keynes-based SJD Associates and Employer Chair of The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership. “This training delivers exactly what employers need — safe, recognised standards for low-carbon technology installation. It’s a real boost for MK’s green credentials,” she said.

Applications for the funded courses are open now via the College website’s Green Skills page.