The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) will help provide training to support the Scottish offshore wind sector
A total of £372,842 has been awarded to the ECITB to fund the creation of training routes for new entrants, career changers, military leavers, and workers transitioning from the oil and gas industry.
Further funding was awarded by the University of the Highlands and Islands and to the North East Scotland College (NESCol) from the Offshore Wind Skills Programme (OWSP).
The Scottish government are backing wind projects
The OWSP was established this year and allocated £3.85m to support developing skills in the offshore wind workforce in anticipation of the sector’s growth. They will need wind turbine technicians, installation and maintenance electricians, engineering technicians, metal working production and maintenance fitters, and electrical engineers.
The ECITB’s programmes are designed to support net zero ambitions and build a competent and safe workforce ready for employment, as well as deliver social value and encourage investment.
ECITB chief executive, Andrew Hockey, said: “I was delighted to see this announcement from the Scottish Government. This funding will enable the ECITB to be able to deploy and build on our efforts in developing the skills needed for the offshore wind industry, fully in line with our 2026-2030 strategy to lead industry learning.”
Scottish Government energy minister, Stephen Gethins MSP, said: “I am determined to make the most of Scotland’s remarkable energy potential, with industry reports estimating offshore wind could support up to 49,000 jobs in Scotland. That is why it is at the centre of both our energy and economic ambitions.
“The Scottish Government is doing everything within our power to help seize this exciting opportunity, and that starts by focusing on skills to ensure communities benefit directly from employment opportunities and businesses have the skilled workforce they need to grow. Supporting these three projects with almost £1.7 million is central to that, and there will be more to come.”
Offshore wind is becoming a UK-wide movement
In May, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero granted development consent for the North Falls and Dogger Bank South wind farms.
The Dogger Bank development includes onshore and offshore infrastructure including high voltage electricity cables, electricity substations, connections to the National Grid, and ancillary and temporary works.
The North Falls development will create a generating station 24.5km from the Port of Lowestoft, comprising mostly offshore wind turbines and associated onshore and offshore infrastructure, including connections to the electricity transmission network.
