NESCol becomes first Scottish institution to gain SIAS accreditation

April 14, 2026

NESCol has been approved as a SIAS Approved Centre, becoming the first college in Scotland to achieve the milestone. The approval marks a major step forward for SIAS in expanding high‑quality, future‑focused accredited provision across the UK’s devolved nations.

The College is now approved to deliver the SIAS Level 2 Award in the Introduction to Hydrogen Safety – an industry‑aligned, regulated qualification designed to equip learners with essential knowledge in one of the UK’s fastest‑growing energy and innovation sectors.

SIAS is a leading awarding organisation for science, manufacturing, engineering and low carbon industries.

Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, said: “I am delighted to welcome North East Scotland College as our first SIAS Approved Centre in Scotland. This is a landmark moment for SIAS and a major step in our mission to support skills development across the UK.

“Their strong track record in technical and STEM education, combined with their close links to the region’s Energy Transition Zone, makes them the ideal partner to deliver the SIAS Level 2 Award in the Introduction to Hydrogen Safety. Their leadership in this space will help open new pathways for learners and strengthen Scotland’s position in the transition to a hydrogen‑powered future.”

Iain Cocker, Business Development Manager at NESCol, said: “We take great pride in NESCol’s role as a driving force in Scotland’s journey to net zero, embracing low carbon technology and committed to ensuring a workforce equipped with the skills to harness great opportunities regionally, nationally and internationally.

“Becoming a SIAS Approved Centre underlines our ambition and is another positive step as we broaden our training offer. Hydrogen is a vital piece of the energy transition jigsaw and an area in which we anticipate growing demand, particularly through our delivery at the new Energy Transition Skills Hub. We look forward to continuing to work with SIAS to meet the needs of employers and individuals.”

The recognition for NESCol advances Scotland’s hydrogen ambitions through future‑focused training that opens vital pathways into clean energy, engineering and advanced technologies, delivering meaningful impact for learners, providers and industry across Scotland and beyond.