Welcome to SWITCH-On Skills
Your gateway to a sustainable future for Neath Port Talbot.
Funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Level Up Your Skills
Fully-accredited Micro-credentials delivered by Swansea University.
Create Opportunities
Take this crucial knowledge to open up new pathways for your career.
Flexible Courses
Study online at a schedule that’s convenient for you.
About Us
Welcome to SWITCH-On Skills, your gateway to a sustainable future, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
We are steadfast in our mission to equip the workforce of tomorrow with the crucial skills needed to navigate and mitigate the challenges of the climate and environmental crisis. Offering complimentary, credit-bearing micro-credential courses, we enable participants to enhance their qualifications and acquire essential skills.
Our commitment extends beyond current professionals, reaching into Schools and Colleges across the region, ensuring the next generation is well prepared with vital Net Zero knowledge and skills. Together, let’s skillfully navigate towards a resilient, environmentally-prosperous future.
Our Courses
Introduction to Net Zero
This course explores the drivers, UK legislation, and strategies for reducing emissions. Covering decarbonised energy, transport, industrial carbon remediation, and Nature-based Solutions, this course provides foundational knowledge on sustainable practices, highlighting the shift to regenerative business models to secure natural resources.
The Hydrogen Economy
This course will take you on an enlightening voyage through the science, methods, applications, economics, policies, and environmental aspects of this remarkable element. Our course offers a holistic perspective on hydrogen, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to contribute to the ongoing energy transition and the sustainable future of our planet.
Materials for Energy
This course is designed to guide the student through the main concepts of Materials for Energy Production, Storage and Usage. The module explores materials used in the various energy sectors. Scientific concepts will be backed up using real-life examples, and covers the important concept of the Energy Trilemma.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Develop an understanding of the purpose of environmental permitting, certification, common environmental legalisations, and establishing an effective environmental management system. Ultimately, this greater understanding will allow staff to fulfil their role with greater proficiency and expertise and contribute positively towards environmental practices.
Renewable Energy Technologies & Infrastructure
Delve into the various renewable energy sources and technologies crucial for achieving net zero emissions. It covers areas such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and bioenergy. The module explore the design, implementation, and management of renewable energy infrastructure, including considerations related to grid integration, storage solutions, and emerging technologies.
Introduction to Project Finance for Renewable Energy
This self-paced course will unlock the secrets to effective financial planning in the dynamic world of clean energy. This course is your gateway to understanding the principles, tools, and applications of financial modelling within the renewable energy sector and will cover the principles, models, data, tools, and practical applications tailored for the renewable energy sector.
Introduction to Electric Arc Furnace Operations
Steel is the most versatile and important material in the world, and production via the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) route is finding increasing applications for producing both long and strip products. This course highlights both the fundamental aspects of the process and its evolution over the last 60 years, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of EAF steelmaking compared to blast furnace routes.
Introduction to Fossil-Free Steelmaking
Steel is the most versatile and important material in the world. However, the steel industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and associated global warming. Sources of greenhouse gas emissions from traditional integrated ironmaking & steelmaking will be detailed, and the latest advancements to realise a carbon-neutral steel industry will be introduced.
Introduction to Nature-based Solutions
Nature-based solutions (NBS) are inspired and supported by nature and use, or mimic, natural processes and can be applied strategically to and equitably to help societies address a variety of global environmental challenges. NBS can concomitantly lead to multiple economic, societal and and environmental benefits, such as reducing infrastructure costs, job creation, green growth, enhancing health, wellbeing and recreational opportunities.
Introduction to Circular Economy
Steel is the most versatile and important material in the world. However, the steel industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and associated global warming. Sources of greenhouse gas emissions from traditional integrated ironmaking & steelmaking will be detailed, and the latest advancements to realise a carbon-neutral steel industry will be introduced.
Introduction to Electric Vehicles
Motor vehicles grant us freedom of travel and transportation of essential goods. However, combustion engines contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and associated global warming. The working principles of combustion engines and their greenhouse gas emissions will be detailed, and the latest advancements towards carbon-neutral motor vehicles will be introduced.
Sustainable Transport and Mobility
Addressing emissions from the transportation sector is vital for achieving net zero goals. A module on sustainable transport would cover topics like electric vehicles (EVs), alternative fuel technologies, public transportation systems, intelligent transportation systems, and urban planning for sustainable mobility. It would also examine the role of policy, regulations, and incentives in promoting low-carbon transport solutions.
Low Carbon Active Buildings
The Low Carbon Active Buildings course explores innovative approaches to designing and operating buildings that generate, store and manage their own renewable energy. These buildings help form a foundation for a sustainable, net zero future – reducing emissions, supporting energy networks and improving environmental resilience.As governments strive to meet ambitious climate targets, such as Wales’ commitment to net zero by 2050, Active Buildings offer practical, scalable solutions that integrate renewable energy, smart technologies and innovative design principles.
Course Delivery
All courses are conveniently delivered through Swansea University‘s Learning Management System, Canvas, providing a seamless online learning experience. Students are granted a generous three-month period to complete the course, allowing for personalised learning at their own preferred pace.
Throughout the course, participants will engage in three progressive assessment quizzes, complemented by a comprehensive final written assessment that culminates their learning journey. All assessments are conveniently submitted through the secure and user-friendly platform Canvas.
Expert guidance and assistance are readily available from our project lecturers and dedicated learning technologists to ensure a supportive and enriching learning environment. These experienced professionals can be easily reached through Canvas or via email.
Latest Blog Posts
Innovative Technologies Driving Net Zero Manufacturing
The industrial sector plays a critical role in the global push to combat climate change. Manufacturing alone accounts for about 20% of global carbon emissions, making it a significant player in both the problem and the solution. As governments and industries adopt...
Exploring Nature-Based Solutions: Harnessing the Power of Nature for a Sustainable Future
In an era marked by climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, nature-based solutions (NbS) have emerged as a beacon of hope. These solutions, which leverage the power of nature to address societal challenges, offer a promising pathway towards a...
Equipping Today’s Workforce for a Greener Tomorrow
As the conversation around lifelong learning, net zero and workforce development gains momentum, it’s encouraging to see universities stepping up to offer accessible, flexible learning to those already working in industry. This is especially critical for regions like...
Delivered by Swansea University, in partnership with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council: SWITCH-On Skills is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
