Leading the green energy transition in the West Midlands: E.ON Next, Dudley College and Eco2Solar build the UK’s next generation of green talent

• Technical apprentices from Dudley College join UK’s largest residential solar installer, Eco2Solar powered by E.ON Next
• Collaboration enables students to gain the skills to design, install and maintain systems driving the UK’s clean energy transition

The West Midlands is fast becoming the beating heart of the UK’s green skills revolution. As the region looks to create thousands of new jobs in low-carbon industries, E.ON Next, Dudley College of Technology and Eco2Solar powered by E.ON Next are working hand-in-hand to give students the technical know-how and practical experience to lead the UK’s energy transition.

Through E.ON Next’s Net Zero Training Academy in Kingswinford, apprentices and students are benefitting from a longstanding partnership with Dudley College, gaining specialist training in low-carbon technologies — from solar panels and EV chargers to heat pumps and battery storage – forming a strong local pipeline of future engineers.

Students completing their training at the Academy and Dudley College are also gaining real-world experience at E.ON sites, with several now progressing into full-time roles at Eco2Solar, E.ON Next’s solar installation business. Once there, they continue to build their skills through structured on-the-job training and industry qualifications, creating a clear pathway into fully accredited renewable technician roles. This partnership strengthens Eco2Solar’s future workforce while giving students valuable hands-on experience, complementing the company’s wider ability to scale labour capacity quickly when demand rises — all while continuing to expand national solar capacity and nurture the next generation of green technicians.

Ryan Mee, CEO of Eco2Solar, said: "Solar is now a key part of how new homes across the UK are built, with our teams installing thousands of systems every year to make that shift possible. To keep pace with demand, we need skilled people who can design, fit and maintain these technologies — and this partnership is helping create that pipeline. We’ve worked closely with E.ON Next to flex our workforce when needed, and we’re now welcoming trainees progressing through Dudley College who are continuing their development with structured, on-the-job training. The students coming through are the future of our industry, helping us accelerate the rollout of clean, affordable solar power nationwide."

This collaboration between E.ON Next and Dudley College comes after West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker recently announced a £75 million regional skills fund to train over 12,000 people for key construction and engineering roles — part of a wider plan to tackle skills shortages and accelerate the move to net zero. During a visit to Dudley College’s Construction Apprenticeship Training (CAT) Centre, the Mayor saw first-hand how partnerships like this are turning those ambitions into real opportunities for local people.

E.ON has also invested in a Net Zero Solutions Hub on Dudley College’s campus. Fully equipped with green technology, the hub provides hands-on training with the very systems transforming how we heat and power buildings, while reducing the college’s own carbon footprint.

Diana Martin, CEO & Principal of Dudley College of Technology, said: ”We are delighted to be working with E.ON Next and Eco2Solar to help deliver the region wide approach to boost skills in this drive to provide clean energy. As one of ten Centres of Technical Excellence for the Construction (CTECs) sector in England we aim to support more employers in meeting the challenges faced by recruiting a workforce to deliver the ambitious new build and infrastructure projects in our region.”

As part of its growing commitment to skills and sustainability, E.ON Next’s Net Zero Training Academy provides practical training and accredited courses in renewable and low-carbon technologies. Since its launch, the Academy has supported hundreds of learners in developing specialist expertise across the UK’s clean energy infrastructure — from solar and EV charging to heat pump installation and maintenance.