BUSINESSES in Scotland, working to support a low carbon economy, are now eligible for employee training assistance.
Begins a spokesperson; “Education Secretary, Michael Russell, today announced 650 new training places while on a visit to China, showcasing the best of Scotland’s world-leading renewable energy research, as well as skills and technology teaching.
“The training, to be delivered through Skills Development Scotland, is being funded with the support of the European Social Fund, to enable employers to upskill and reskill employees in low carbon technologies.”
The Education Secretary said:
“Scotland has a global lead in renewable energy. The Scottish Government has invested millions to develop our competitive edge in clean, green energy and we are equally committed to helping industry move to low carbon products and services.
“We have the most ambitious emissions reduction targets in the world.
“Our ambitions for a greener and wealthier Scotland match our vast potential to capitalise on our natural advantage in renewable energy on a global scale.
“Our natural resources match our desire to become a leading low carbon economy.
“Of course, we need the right people, with the right skills and expertise to continue attracting our share of the billions of pounds of investment in green energy.
“I am joined by some of the leading minds in this field from Scotland and China to learn more about more positive collaborations in the area of renewable energy education and research between our two countries.
“Scotland’s representatives will tomorrow start a month-long mission in Qingdao Universities showcasing the best of Scotland’s world-leading renewable energy research and teaching in skills and technology.
“Today’s announcement further demonstrates that Scotland is investing in our workforce to ensure we have the necessary skills to maintain our lead in fielding renewable energy which will bring us even closer towards achieving a low carbon economy.”
Damien Yeates, chief executive, Skills Development Scotland, said:
“Skills Development Scotland is committed to equipping people with the training and skills they need to fulfil their potential, helping businesses fulfil their goals.
“The Scottish Government, SDS and our partners are dedicated to supporting and funding areas where new workforce skills are required to capitalise on opportunities and developments in renewables and low carbon fields.
“The low carbon skills fund will provide businesses with access to sector specific training to help improve their performance, efficiency and improvement processes around low carbon. By developing a highly skilled, more confident workforce Scotland will be able to maximise the benefits of its natural resources in these vital emerging sectors.”
The fund will be open to all private sector, voluntary and community-not-for-profit organisations, employing less than 250 staff, whose current or intended business activity is in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and/or carbon reduction.
Skills Development Scotland is working closely with Sector Skills Councils to deliver this training initiative. The following Sector Skills Councils are involved: Construction Skills, Energy and Utility Skills, ProSkills, Summit Skills and Asset Skills. The Low Carbon Skills Fund will be available for companies operating within those sectors.
Companies wanting more information and to find out which Sector Skills Council applies to their business should contact Skills Development Scotland on 0800 783 6000.
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Phone: 0800 783 6000
