Scotland’s largest Energy Transition Skills Hub has officially opened in Aberdeen, showcasing a state-of-the-art welding academy, an advanced manufacturing zone, and pioneering digital training suites designed for the technologies of the future
Built on the site of a former dairy, the Energy Transition Skills Hub acts as the anchor project for the Skills Campus in the Energy Transition Zone in Aberdeen.
The facility will support 1,000 jobs as it works to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for the energy transition and sustainable construction.
The facility has now been handed over from ETZ Ltd to the North East Scotland College (NESCol) to begin training for students.
42 welding and 27 engineering students have already begun training this academic year.
Investment from ECITB in Regional Skills Hubs
The project has been supported by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and cost £10m to build.
ECITB provided £400,000 towards delivering the Hub through their larger investment in Regional Skills Hubs.
Andrew Hockey, CEO of ECITB, said: “The ECITB forecasts that 40,000 additional workers could be needed across the engineering construction industry (ECI) for major projects, including those related to net zero, by 2030.
“Without a pipeline of trained, skilled workers, all this risks not being achieved, which is why we’re working with industry partners in the UK’s industrial cluster regions to grow the number of skilled engineers and craftspeople we need now and in the future, such as in trades like welding.
“As an integral part of workforce development and supporting the pipeline of new recruits into the energy industry, the Energy Transition Skills Hub will be central to the success of the long-term project to support the transition to renewable energies in North East Scotland.
“The ECITB is delighted to support the project and work in partnership with the industry consortium to inspire the next generation of engineers and welders to help close the skills gap in the ECI.”
Improving skills across the country
ECITB RQF qualifications were delivered in Wales for the first time earlier this month, as the Welsh government funded the NPTC Group of Colleges to deliver the courses.
The three qualifications cover:
- ECITB Level 2 Diploma in Supporting the Installation of Engineering Construction Plant and Systems (RQF) – mechanical fitting, pipefitting and plating
- ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction Maintenance (RQF) – mechanical
- ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Installing Engineering Construction Plant and Systems (RQF) – mechanical fitting, pipefitting and plating
At the time, Mark Dacey, chief executive of the NPTC Group of Colleges, said: “This milestone is more than a first for Wales – it’s a statement of intent.
“We’re investing in people, in potential and in the future of our industry. Becoming an ECITB approved centre means we can empower individuals to grow their careers and help employers build resilient, future-ready teams. It’s a proud moment, and just the beginning of what we aim to achieve.”
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