A scholarship to equip the next generation of engineers for the energy transition has been launched by the ECITB.
The ECITB Energy Transfer Technician Scholarship aims to provide a sustainable pipeline of new talent for industry by equipping young people with the industrial knowledge and skills that are in demand in their region.
Created by Government skills body the ECITB to address workforce shortages in key engineering roles, scholars get a £100-week grant to develop their engineering knowledge and skills as well as an understanding of the new technologies essential to the successful delivery of net zero, including digital skills.
A further 112 scholarship places have been announced across the UK for September 2022, including 52 scholars on new pathways specifically focused on supporting the delivery of the energy transition. The ECITB Scholarship has already prepared 260 scholars for careers in the engineering construction industry since its inception in 2020 to help employers withstand the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
The scholarships focused on supporting the energy transition will follow either energy transfer technician or wind turbine technician programmes. Learners receive a grounding in core engineering knowledge and skills as well as an understanding of the new technologies essential to the successful delivery of net zero, and a foundation in digital skills. In response to regional demand, the ECITB Scholarship will also offer programmes focused on electrical and mechanical maintenance, industrial welding, fabrication and project controls.
Chris Claydon, ECITB Chief Executive (centre-right) at the launch of the 2022 ECITB scholarship in Aberdeen with Maggie McGinlay, ETZ Ltd Chief Executive (left); Susan Grant, NESCol Associate Vice Principal Curriculum, Planning and Partnerships (centre-left); Robin McGregor, Vice Principal: Curriculum and Quality, Nescol (right).
Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of the ECITB, said: “I’m proud to see our Scholarship programme go from strength to strength with new pathways this year focused on renewable technologies and the energy transition.
“The scholarship supports industry in the short term by underwriting the risk to employers of taking on new entrants and providing support to scholars through the initial stages of their training and in the long term by preparing the next generation for engineering careers.
“Training and developing young people with in-demand skills is crucial to the future success of our industry and to meet the government’s net zero targets. The ECITB Scholarship provides a launch pad to careers in engineering construction and is just one of the measures in place to support industry as it tackles critical skills shortages over coming years.”
Last week in Aberdeen (6 May), the ECITB launched Scotland’s first net zero scholarship starting in September at North East Scotland College (Nescol), which will provide technical training for young engineers starting their careers in the energy sector with backing of a £100,000 grant from the city’s Energy Transition Zone (ETZ).
About the ECITB Scholarship
The ECITB Scholarship is currently delivered by training providers at 11 locations across England, Scotland, and Wales with 2 new centres due to come online by September. Underpinned by robust labour market intelligence each cohort targets specific disciplines to address anticipated skill shortages in the region with focus on areas including electrical and mechanical maintenance, industrial welding, fabrication and welding and project controls.
A further 112 scholarship places have been announced across the UK for September 2022, including 52 scholars on pathways specifically focused on supporting the delivery of the energy transition.
Nationwide, the ECITB Scholarship has already prepared 260 scholars for careers in the engineering construction industry since its inception in 2020 to help employers withstand the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis. The programme, which lasts 1-2 years, delivers training focused on regional skills shortages. Scholars who complete the programme possess the foundation skills to move into apprenticeships and employment in industry.
The programme supports industry in the short term by underwriting the risk to employers of taking on new entrants and financially support scholars through the initial stages of their training and in the long term by preparing the next generation for engineering careers. At the end of the scholarship, learners acquire industry standard qualifications as well as relevant site passports.
Hani Andetsion is an ECITB Scholar on programme at Richmond upon Thames College.