Through innovation and collaboration, the AR EdTech for Hydrogen Skills project is addressing the urgent demand for skilled workers in the growing hydrogen industry. By integrating augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and gamification, this initiative—led by the social enterprise The Blair Project—is revolutionising hydrogen-related training and workforce development.
A Pioneering Approach to Skills Training
The AR EdTech for Hydrogen Skills project has developed Verciti, a cutting-edge EdTech platform designed to deliver immersive, simulation-based Level 2-3 training for technicians and operators in hydrogen production, storage, and safety. By leveraging digital learning methods, Verciti ensures accessible and scalable training, reducing reliance on traditional classroom instruction.
With close to £600,000 in funding secured through the Innovation Accelerator programme, the project is making industry-recognised training more affordable and flexible. Learners can acquire online certifications aligned with international standards without requiring extended time away from work. Additionally, the project supports on-site training in net zero skills at the Manchester Innovation Activities Hub, further bridging the skills gap.
The AR EdTech for Hydrogen Skills project is fostering collaboration among research institutions, R&D hubs, SMEs, and global industry leaders. The partnership with CESPA, representing over 4,000 global companies, has provided in-kind support through strategic guidance, network access, and employer engagement. This has helped position Greater Manchester (GM) at the forefront of employer-led hydrogen workforce development.
A significant milestone includes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Teesside University and its Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC). The MoU underpins collaboration on joint research and development, innovation projects, feasibility studies, and skills development programmes in both the UK and South Africa, supporting Verciti’s internationalisation strategy and advancing the UK’s net zero skills pipeline.
Impact and Industry Collaboration
- Brokered access to international markets for 10 Greater Manchester-based SMEs through hydrogen-focused energy infrastructure projects in South Africa, with a trade mission planned in collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in October 2025.
- Established groundwork and held strategic meetings to explore expansion of the Verciti platform into South Africa, Namibia, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), positioning it as a globally scalable solution for green skills development.
- A three-year agreement with ESKOM to collaborate on hydrogen workforce transition and upskilling initiatives.
- 3 successful market visits to South Africa, including the establishment of a relationship with WesGro, to begin developing a skills development pipeline in the Western Cape.
- Hydrogen training webinars delivered for the Greater Manchester Colleges Group, showcasing Verciti’s hydrogen and forthcoming electrification training packages.
- Active and collaborative working relationships with the UK Department for Business and Trade South Africa (DBT SA) and UK Export Finance (UKEF) to support international trade and delivery readiness.
- Visit to Dubai to attend the GESS EdTech Expo, building international visibility, exploring partnership opportunities, and benchmarking global EdTech innovations.
- Collaboration with the Centre for Digital Innovations, fostering the growth of hydrogen trainers and tutors to support future workforce needs.
- Ensuring GM SMEs remain well-positioned for opportunities within the UK hydrogen economy, particularly with Teesside producing 50% of the UK’s hydrogen output.
Investment and Job Creation
The initiative has attracted a combination of co-investment and in-kind support to accelerate growth, development, and market expansion:
- £50,000 (co-investment) in micro equity investment secured from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to support early-stage growth and product development.
- £1 million (in-kind support) from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult/Hydrogen Skills Alliance, providing access to specialist expertise and resources to co-develop a hydrogen competency framework.
- £150,000 (in-kind support) in cloud infrastructure and platform credits donated by Microsoft Azure to power the development of the Verciti platform.
- £500,000 (co-investment – pending finalisation) from the Clean Energy Systems Partners Alliance to support commercial scaling and internationalisation, expected by March 2025.
- £500,000 (co-investment – in principle) for hydrogen skills development contracts in South Africa, representing future revenue opportunities secured through early-stage engagement.
- £360,000 (in-kind support) in consultancy and business development services from Teesside University to facilitate international market entry and establish joint ventures in South Africa.
- Strategic in-kind support from CESPA, providing employer engagement, network access, and international visibility across a consortium of 4,000 global companies.
- Additionally, the project has already created one full-time equivalent (FTE) role within Verciti to support delivery and innovation.
Conclusion and Future Vision
With its foundation in hydrogen training, Verciti aims to evolve into a leading global platform for net zero skills training. Future expansions will include training modules in industrial digitalisation, renewable energy, and automotive electrification, ensuring continued relevance in the green economy.
By combining advanced EdTech with industry partnerships, the AR EdTech for Hydrogen Skills project is paving the way for a highly skilled hydrogen workforce, driving economic growth and sustainability in the UK and beyond.
