As industry continues to focus on its efforts to lead the way towards the energy transition, the ECITB is supporting the increasing demand for skilled workers.

An ECITB Scholar in the workshop at NESCol

During Scottish Careers Week and Green Careers Week, the ECITB caught up with a cohort of engineers enrolled on the new ECITB Scholarship at North East Scotland College(NESCol), beginning their journeys as future wind turbine technicians in Aberdeen.

With early support from regional employers, and a £100,000 grant from the city’s Energy Transition Zone (ETZ), the programme will provide local industry with the skills needed to accelerate its net zero ambitions.

NESCol Principal Neil Cowie said: “The College is a driving force in the evolution of traditional industries as well as fundamental to supporting new and emerging sectors, in particular energy transition and renewable energy.

“We work very closely with industry partners and employers to ensure the knowledge and experience built by our students match the exciting green career opportunities throughout the North East and beyond.”

Echoing these sentiments Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of the ECITB, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see that this group of learners have already made tremendous strides in their development.  NESCol have done a fantastic job in putting these young people on a trajectory for future success.

“The ECITB’s newly launched strategy undertakes to expand and diversify our workforce in the knowledge that by developing our new entrants now, we safeguard the nations’ energy security and its success in the energy transition.”

Earlier this week, senior leaders from Three60 Energy; a leading independent energy service company, visited the scholars to talk about their interest in pursuing a career in the wind energy industry.

Reflecting on their visit, Strategic Development Director, Scott Roy and HR Manager, Michelle had this to say: “THREE60 Energy is delighted to be working with NESCol to support the Wind Turbine Technician Scholarship and the aspiring engineers of the future.

“THREE60 Energy’s recent acquisition of a wind operations and renewables specialist company presents a fantastic opportunity to provide essential learning for the apprentices during term time and off time, including on-the-job exposure to wind turbines.

“It’s a privilege to be involved in the North East’s first Wind Turbine Technician Scholarship and inspiring the next generation of engineers.”

Skills for net zero
ECITB Scholarships