About the Hydrogen Centres of Vocational Excellence and our vision

The Hydrogen Centres of Vocational Excellence is a pan-European initiative that brings together key stakeholders from various regions across Europe. Our mission is to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting the hydrogen economy, a vital component of Europe's transition to sustainable energy.

We are a collaborative network of educational institutions, research organisations, and industry leaders working together to address the growing need for vocational training in hydrogen technologies. Our partners come from regions including Vestland (Western Norway), Noord-Nederland (Northern Netherlands), Tirol (Tyrol, Austria), Eesti (Estonia), and Івано-Франківськ (Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine). These regions have each developed local expertise in hydrogen technologies, and by working together, we ensure that knowledge and best practices are shared across borders.

Through our combined efforts, the project ensures that vocational education in hydrogen technologies is aligned with the demands of the industry, supports the development of sustainable energy practices, and contributes to the creation of a greener future for Europe.

Our Vision

Our vision is to play a leading role in Europe’s energy transition by ensuring that individuals and organisations have access to the vocational education and skills required to support the hydrogen economy. Hydrogen is expected to be a key player in Europe’s decarbonisation strategy, and we are committed to preparing the workforce to meet the demands of this evolving sector.

We aim to create a future where:

• Vocational training in hydrogen technologies is widely accessible, ensuring that both students and professionals are well-prepared to engage with hydrogen technologies across industries.

• Industry and education are closely aligned, enabling businesses to benefit from a skilled workforce that can contribute to innovation, productivity, and sustainability.

• Innovation is fostered through research and collaboration, ensuring that the latest advancements in hydrogen production, storage, and application are integrated into training programmes.

• Sustainability is at the forefront of energy development, contributing to Europe’s goals for reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of clean energy sources.

Our Mission and Approach

Our mission is to provide practical and relevant vocational education that equips learners with the skills necessary for the hydrogen sector. We achieve this through a hands-on approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring that learners are prepared for real-world challenges in the hydrogen economy.

How We Work

• Collaborative Partnerships: We work with partners from both the public and private sectors to develop training programmes that reflect the latest industry needs. Our collaboration extends beyond Europe’s borders, incorporating international expertise to ensure our programs remain at the cutting edge of innovation.

• Industry-Driven Training: By involving industry leaders in the development of our programmes, we ensure that learners acquire the skills that are in demand. Whether it is hydrogen production, storage, or application across different sectors, our programmes are designed to meet the needs of the industry.

• Practical Learning: Our educational approach emphasises practical experience, including internships, apprenticeships, and project-based learning. This allows learners to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, making them more effective contributors to the hydrogen sector.

• Regional Expertise with European Impact: Each of our partner regions brings unique expertise to the project. Vestland, Noord-Nederland, Tirol, Eesti, and Івано-Франківськ each play a critical role in building local ecosystems for hydrogen-related vocational training while contributing to a broader European effort to foster collaboration and innovation.

Our Partners

The Hydrogen Centres of Vocational Excellence is made possible through the collaboration of partners from a range of sectors, including education, research, and industry. These partners bring their specialised knowledge to the project, ensuring that vocational training is comprehensive and progressive.

• Educational Institutions: Universities and vocational schools develop and deliver the training programmes that equip learners with the theoretical and practical skills necessary to succeed in the hydrogen economy.

• Research Organisations: Research centres ensure that the training is informed by the latest developments in hydrogen technologies. These organisations play a key role in ensuring that the project remains at the forefront of innovation.

• Industry Leaders: Businesses from the hydrogen sector provide invaluable insights into the practical applications of hydrogen technologies. Their involvement ensures that training programmes are aligned with the skills required in the industry today and in the future.

• Associated Partners: A wider network of organisations, including national hydrogen associations and regional development bodies, supports the project by providing expertise in outreach, policy, and advocacy.

Discover how each region is contributing to the hydrogen economy and the development of vocational excellence. Learn about the local partnerships, training programmes, and innovations happening in your region. Explore how the Hydrogen Centres of Vocational Excellence is shaping the future of sustainable energy across Europe, one region at a time.

Our Values

The Hydrogen Centres of Vocational Excellence are guided by the following core values:

• Collaboration: Bringing together stakeholders from across education, research, and industry to create comprehensive vocational training that meets the needs of the hydrogen sector.

• Innovation: Continuously integrating the latest advancements in hydrogen technologies into our programmes to ensure that learners are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills.

• Excellence: Providing high-quality vocational education that prepares learners to meet the challenges of the hydrogen economy with confidence and competence.

• Sustainability: Supporting Europe’s transition to cleaner energy by equipping individuals and organisations with the skills needed to contribute to the hydrogen economy.

• Accessibility: Ensuring that education and training opportunities are available to a diverse range of learners, from students starting their careers to experienced professionals seeking to expand their knowledge.

Looking Ahead

The Hydrogen Centres of Vocational Excellence are dedicated to supporting Europe’s hydrogen economy by preparing a skilled and adaptable workforce. As the hydrogen sector continues to evolve, we remain committed to expanding our training programmes, fostering international collaboration, and promoting sustainability.

By continuing to align vocational training with industry needs, we ensure that learners are well-prepared to contribute to the future of energy in Europe. Our goal is to help build a sustainable, low-carbon economy powered by hydrogen, with education at the heart of this transformation.

Impact for Europe

The Hydrogen Centres of Vocational Excellence will make an important contribution towards the EU’s ambition within the hydrogen sector and to reach the overall goal in The Green Deal, reducing carbon emissions by 55% and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The goals of the Green Deal cannot be realised without the right skills and the need for upskilling and reskilling for the European green transition is an important part of EU policies, e.g. The Pact for Skills, Erasmus+, European Hydrogen Skills Alliance, Education for Climate Coalition and Digital Europe.

The European Year of Skills 2023 focuses on upskilling and reskilling, supporting small and medium enterprises in overcoming skill shortages. The Hydrogen Centres of Vocational Excellence aim to develop new courses and update existing ones in hydrogen-related topics, significantly transforming the curriculum in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Vocational Education and Training (HVET).

The Hydrogen Centres of Vocational Excellence project aims to align VET/HVET education with the demands of the emerging market. This will involve creating diverse educational programs at regional universities of applied sciences or technology, vocational schools, and colleges across various educational levels (EQF 4-8). Additionally, the project seeks to integrate new curricula with continuing education for lifelong learning, focusing on reskilling and upskilling workers and those seeking better employment opportunities.

This comprehensive approach will offer a fresh perspective on career orientation, engaging students in future technology-related employment from early education stages and supporting them through to high vocational school and higher education.

By adopting this holistic strategy for early career orientation and development, the project will effectively monitor the evolution of regional skills ecosystems and trends in the hydrogen market, in collaboration with all regional stakeholders.