6 days ago
Renewables transition fund for Aberdeen oil workers launched
The Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund will allow applicants to access careers advice and funding for training to move into sectors like offshore and onshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture.
Around 200 workers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are expected to benefit from the programme, helping them transition from the oil and gas industry into roles within the renewables sector as the push for Net Zero continues.
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The programme will be delivered by Skills Development Scotland in collaboration with the UK Government's £900,000 Regional Skills Pilot for [[Aberdeen]] and [[Aberdeen]]shire, as well as receiving an extra £40,000 in funding from the Scottish Government.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin said: 'The North East has long been a titan in the oil and gas industry and the valuable expertise within our workforce must be at the heart of the transition to new fuels and sustainable energy.
'This new Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund will support offshore workers to take on roles in the sustainable energy sector and has been designed and developed by the Scottish Government, supported by funding from UK Government's Regional Skills Pilot for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and will be delivered by Skills Development Scotland.
'I am determined to ensure a positive impact and powerful legacy of Scotland's clean energy revolution which benefits communities across the North East of the country.'
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Skills Development Scotland chair Frank Mitchell said: 'Scotland's oil and gas workforce possesses a broad range of skills and experience which is vital to the continued growth of the renewable energy sector.
'The shift to sustainable energy generation and transmission represents a generational opportunity, and this funding will assist workers in making the most of their expertise in that growing sector.
'Our careers advisers are available for anyone who needs support in considering their options, or whether applying for the fund is right for them.'
The fund covers retraining in renewables but does not cover "recertification" for existing skills or transport costs.
Those wishing to apply can do so through the official website launched for the programme.
