PEOPLE in Clydebank are to be offered training opportunities to enable them to pursue a career in energy and energy efficiency.

The West College Scotland (WCS) scheme is part of the Scottish Government's National Transition Training Fund for people in Scotland that have lost their jobs, are at risk of redundancy or have identified a skills gap in their current job.

The college will run training in air source/ground source heat pumps, solar thermal and electric vehicle maintenance as well as the more conventional electrical training.

To qualify for the classes, candidates must be 25+ years old and either:

• unemployed, at risk of redundancy or hold a job that is under threat because of COVID-19 or the economic impact of EU Exit; or
• have identified a skills gap in their current job or to return to employment; or
• have identified a skills gap as part of the ‘Just Transition’ to netzero.

WCS  is one of 11 partner colleges across the country that receives funding for these types of courses distributed by Energy Partnership Scotland (ESP), a collaboration to provide a skilled workforce to the energy, engineering and construction sector.

Jim Brown, director of ESP, said: “The National Transition Training Fund, in association with the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government, is another excellent opportunity for the industry.

“It is designed for those in skilled trades to upskill or retrain in technologies that support Scotland’s transition to Net Zero by developing the skills that will reduce demand for heat, install renewable heat measures, support the onshore and offshore wind sector and decarbonising transport.

"ESP are delighted to be working with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council to support this critical aspect in delivering Net Zero for Scotland.”

And Rob Aitken, Assistant Principal for Technology and Skills at West College Scotland said: “The College is committed to supporting all members of our local communities through our education and training provision, helping them on into to high-skilled work.

“The training that the College will provide through the National Transition Training Fund is guided by our understanding of the economy of the West Region, local skills shortages, the need for ever-greater energy efficiency, and the opportunities presented by Scotland’s transition to a Net Zero future.

“We are especially supportive of people impacted by recent political and economic upheaval as they seek more secure employment through reskilling and upskilling, and are grateful to the Scottish Funding Council and Scottish Government for the funding that will make possible this mission.”

Applications can be made by an individual or their employer. For further details please visit: https://www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk/business/nttf/