The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has been awarded funding from the Scottish Government to help provide the training that will support the further development of Scotland’s offshore wind sector.
The ECITB was successful in securing £372,842 to deliver clear, employer-led routes for new entrants, career changers, military leavers and transitioning oil and gas workers.
There was also funding awarded to the University of the Highlands and Islands and North East Scotland College (NESCol) from its Offshore Wind Skills Programme (OWSP).
The OWSP was established by the Scottish Government in 2026 and allocated £3.85 million to support the development of the skilled offshore wind workforce needed to support the sector’s growth.
The ECITB was among the first three projects to benefit from a share of almost £1.7 million.
The industry-led skills body will combine its Work Ready, forthcoming Wind Turbine Technician Cross Skill Programme and Scholarship pathways aligned to five priority occupations critical to wind:
- Wind turbine technicians
- Installation and maintenance electricians
- Engineering technicians
- Metal working production and maintenance fitters
- Electrical engineers
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.”
The ECITB’s programmes are a direct response to growing skills shortages across offshore wind and the wider energy transition and will:
- Support Scotland’s net zero ambitions and onshore/offshore wind growth.
- Help build a safe, competent, job-ready workforce.
- Deliver strong social value, including increased participation from under-represented groups.
- Unlock significant co-investment, maximising value for money and larger return of levy funds to our employers.
The OWSP supports the development of the skilled offshore wind workforce needed to support the sector’s growth.
In making the announcement, 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.”
