The Clean Energy Systems Partner Alliance (CESPA) has announced the addition of Verciti, a company specializing in immersive “net zero” training, as its newest member. This marks a significant boost to the emerging clean energy sector, as Verciti joins forces with six other industry leaders to strengthen the skills available for green technology development.
CESPA was formed to offer a unified solution for innovators and developers in the clean energy space. The alliance now consists of seven companies, including Verciti, which aims to close the growing skills gap in the sector by providing cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) courses. These courses cover critical areas such as hydrogen production, storage, and use, power electronics, machines and drives, and hazardous voltage.
Verciti’s membership enhances the alliance’s capabilities, joining experts from PP Control & Automation (PP C&A), Danfoss, Emerson, Glacier Energy, Phoenix Contact, and Voltserve. Together, these companies cover all necessary disciplines, including electrical, civil, and structural design, renewable energy software, automation, electronics solutions, and power systems.
Tony Smith, technical training manager at Verciti, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “CESPA represents the same clarity and cooperation that we value, making it a natural choice for us to join the alliance. The UK faces a critical skills shortage, with 62% of businesses reporting difficulties in finding qualified staff, particularly in manufacturing. This skills gap threatens to hold back the clean energy sector, and we are determined to help address it.”
Verciti offers courses developed with both academic and industry input, designed to be accessible to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the green technology sector. The company plans to collaborate with other CESPA members to extend its training offerings to current clients and integrate them into future projects.
Based in Manchester, Verciti was founded from The Blair Project, a social enterprise that encourages young people to build and race electric go-karts as a gateway to STEM careers. The company’s founders recognized a broader issue: universities were struggling to meet the demand for fast, affordable, and focused technical training, while employers urgently needed skilled workers to keep pace with innovation.
Smith explained, “We believe STEM should be accessible to everyone, not just those who fit a particular mold. Our mission is to provide opportunities, understanding, and careers that contribute to a greener future. There is a pressing need to scale up net zero skills training, and by working with CESPA, we aim to be part of the solution.”
Verciti was introduced to CESPA through a networking event for the Ignite Hydrogen Labs Programme, supported by Innovate UK Business Connect and the Energy Systems Catapult. The event highlighted synergies between Verciti’s AR-based training in hydrogen and the alliance’s focus on addressing the green skills gap.
Richard Spears, marketing manager at PP Control & Automation, explained, “Verciti’s inclusion adds a valuable dimension to our efforts. Their training programs can directly help businesses acquire the skills necessary to bridge the hydrogen and green technology skills gap. This collaboration will also allow CESPA members to develop in-house certified training programs, further supporting the growth of clean technologies in the UK.”
With Verciti on board, CESPA is now better equipped to tackle the UK’s clean energy skills challenges and drive the development of sustainable technologies in the green economy.
