Bad Weather Now Valuable Resource: Quips Minister
Release date: 16/01/2012
A unique initiative aimed at creating a trained workforce ready to take advantage of opportunities in Dundee’s burgeoning renewables sector received a ministerial seal of approval this week.
Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, visited Dundee College on Monday, January 16, to endorse Energy Training East, which brings together two universities, three colleges and other statutory agencies to provide training resources for the offshore wind industry.
Thought to be the first of its kind in the country, Energy Training East sees Dundee Renewables, which harnesses the collective expertise of Dundee City Council, Scottish Enterprise and Forth Ports, join forces with Dundee College, the Universities of Abertay and Dundee, Angus and Perth colleges, Skills Development Scotland and JobCentre Plus to pilot the training regime.
And this close collaboration was described as ‘very, very good’ by the minister who pointed out that partnership working is not always easy.
When considering Scotland’s relationship with wind power Mr Ewing quipped that: “We used to think we only had bad weather in Scotland now it’s a valuable resource.”
Energy Training East aims to open doors for apprentices, technicians, under graduates, post graduates and researchers in a wide variety of areas of expertise.
These include electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, fabrication and welding, production engineering, control and instrumentation, pneumatic and hydraulic engineering, civil engineering, construction, electronic engineering, aeronautical engineering, project management and health and safety.
By visiting Dundee College, the minster was able to see exactly the kinds of preparation on offer through Energy Training East, including welding and fabrication – two crafts which have been supporting the North Sea oil and gas industry since the very first rigs were towed to the Forties and Brent fields in the early 1970s.
The minister even tried his hand at some welding while visiting one of the college workshops.
“We are delighted to welcome the minister to Dundee College,” said Principal Christina Potter.
“This visit helps highlight Dundee Renewables Skills Group (Energy Training East) Energy Week which sees a number of events to raise careers awareness in the offshore wind and broader energy sector taking place.”
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “Scotland leads the world in renewable energy, with our unparalleled natural resources and the skills and experience of our well established oil and gas sector.
“But if we are to make the most of the opportunities renewable energy offers us we need to build on those skills and attract people to the industry.
“That's why over the next four years the Scottish Government is delivering 2000 Modern Apprenticeships specifically for the energy and climate change industries.
“With the Skills Investment Plan setting out high level actions to support the energy sector, we have made an additional £2 million available in 2012/13 to support at least 1000 further flexible training places in the Energy Sector.
“This investment will help train people across Scotland and provide them with the skills to meet the demand in this fast grow industry.
“If we are to develop the highly skilled workforce we need, industry and education providers must work together.
“That's why I'm delighted to launch Dundee Renewable Skills Group's Energy Week, which will highlight the opportunities and fulfilling careers available in the renewable energy sector, and help people discover how to get the skills they need to succeed.”
Ken Guild chair of Dundee Renewables said: “I am delighted that the work we have been doing bringing together all of the major players in education and training has been recognised at this level.
“This initiative is designed to create a pool of skilled workers in and around Dundee ready to take up the opportunities that the renewables industry offers.”