From track to training: Veloce's Kevin Hansen visits E.ON’s Net Zero Training Academy

By investing in skills, training and innovation, we’re equipping the next generation of engineers to deliver practical, low-carbon energy solutions for homes and businesses across the UK.

To see this in action, we welcomed Kevin Hansen from Veloce to our Net Zero Training Academy. Coming from a world where performance, precision and technology are paramount, Kevin offers a unique perspective on how hands-on training and real-world experience are helping to shape a more sustainable future:

“When I first walked into E.ON’s Net Zero Training Academy, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but what I found was an impressive, hands-on environment where sustainable energy isn’t just talked about in theory - it’s built, tested and experienced for real.

Everything E.ON needs to train the next generation of engineers is under one roof, and the range of training taking place there is huge. From EV charging and solar panels, to air source heat pumps and full electrical installations, all the learning happens on-site.

The academy has dedicated training rooms where engineers are assessed for competence before they go out into the real world. It’s about creating realistic scenarios where people can learn safely, make mistakes, and truly understand what they’re doing before working with customers.

One thing I really liked was the strong focus on the practical side of engineering. You can follow the wires, see what the theory is about, and suddenly the final piece of the puzzle clicks into place. It turns what you’ve seen in a textbook into something tangible, and having those physical systems right in front of you massively speeds up the learning process.

I was taken on a tour by Leon McDonald, Technical Training & Development Specialist, where I was fortunate to meet some of E.ON’s female engineers. Hearing about their experiences and their love for engineering just reinforced something I strongly believe in, which is that diversity in motorsport and engineering is crucial.
New ideas come from different perspectives.

If we’re all the same, we won’t challenge problems in new ways. Seeing that diversity being encouraged in a technical environment at E.ON’s Net Zero Training Academy is a positive sign for the future of the industry.

Some of the work reminded me of my own experiences. In the FIA World Rallycross Championship and Extreme E, I have been racing electric cars all over the world, and in many ways the academy felt familiar to being with my race team. I’ve also installed an E.ON EV charger before…

What’s more, we’re all driven by goals. In motorsport, it’s winning the race. At E.ON, it’s making energy solutions greener. I love that motorsport and powering homes can be part of the same conversation. We’re one planet, all doing what we can to make things more sustainable in our own way.

A career in engineering is always evolving because they’re always innovating. Everything is changing all the time, and it’s exciting to think about where we could be in five, ten, or even fifty years. Little changes across the country will add up to a greener future, and places like E.ON’s Net Zero Training Academy is where it starts.

Seeing the wide range of sustainable solutions E.ON is developing and teaching was eye-opening. In many ways it was different to what I’m used to, but it was a real pleasure to learn more and help spread technical awareness of what’s possible.”

Training today for a Net Zero tomorrow

Kevin’s visit highlights why our Net Zero Training Academy plays such an important role in the energy transition. By creating a safe, practical environment for learning, we’re ensuring engineers leave with the confidence, competence and mindset needed to support customers on their journey to net zero.

As demand for greener energy solutions continues to grow, investing in skills, diversity and innovation will be critical. From motorsport to homes across the country, progress happens when expertise meets ambition and at E.ON, that’s exactly what we’re building for the future