Fedcap’s The Verdancy Group wins national sustainability award in partnership with Scottish college

The Verdancy Group, in partnership with Fife College, has won a prestigious sustainability award after developing a pioneering course to help Scotland develop the skilled workforce it needs to meet its net-zero ambitions.

The course won the Next Generation Learning and Skills category at the UK & Ireland Green Gown Awards, which recognises exceptional sustainability initiatives undertaken by universities and colleges.

Fife College, in Scotland, and The Verdancy Group, a leading provider of green skills training and consultancy, were recognised for their innovative approach to tackling the growing need for retrofit training and sustainable skills development.

The course, which was fully funded by Opportunities Fife, was launched last year to help address rising energy costs and sustainability challenges.

It was delivered by The Verdancy Group at the college’s Dunfermline and Levenmouth campuses, providing hands-on workshops to equip participants with practical skills to improve home energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty – helping to build stronger, greener communities across Fife.

Steven Kiakowski, Director of Green Skills at The Verdancy Group, said: “This award highlights what can be achieved through regional partnership work when education, industry and local support come together with a shared goal.

“Working in partnership with Fife College, and thanks to funding from Opportunities Fife, we’ve been able to equip learners with the practical skills needed to make homes warmer, safer and more energy efficient. This collaboration is not only helping to tackle fuel poverty across our communities but is also creating the skilled workforce Scotland needs to meet its net-zero ambitions.”

Jim Metcalfe, Fife College Principal, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see the Net-Zero Retrofit Skills course win the Green Gown Award. This fantastic achievement highlights our commitment to tackling real-world sustainability challenges. It’s great to see Fife students and workers winning plaudits on the national stage.

“By working with The Verdancy Group and Opportunities Fife, we’re helping people across our communities gain the skills and confidence to make practical changes that reduce energy use, lower carbon emissions, and support Scotland’s journey to net-zero.”

The Green Gown Awards are administered by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC). The judging panel is represented by sector organisations.

Funding for the course was provided from Opportunities Fife through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal’s Integrated Regional Employability and Skills Programme.

Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap, said: “On behalf of the entire Fedcap organisation we’re delighted that Fife College and The Verdancy Group have received this highly prestigious award. This honour recognises not only best practice and innovation in training and sustainability, but also The Verdancy Group’s exceptional ability to collaborate with employers, community organisations, and local funders to deliver practical, impactful training solutions.

“Earlier this year, Fedcap joined forces with The Verdancy Group, and together we are expanding and strengthening our training offer through our new UK-based Apex Training arm. We are also extending this work to the United States, where our Apex Technical School has been a leading vocational training institution for more than 60 years. This award underscores the promise of our partnership and the transformative impact we are poised to create across both the UK and U.S. markets.”

The Verdancy Group, which operates flexibly across the UK, has this month opened its second Apex Training Centre in Hamilton, Scotland. It also delivers training at its Apex Training Centre in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England.