2nd December 2024
Launch of local pre-apprenticeship programme aims to equip next generation of offshore wind energy workforce with key skills
Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm, developed by Ocean Winds, has funded a new pre-apprenticeship programme which aims to address a major skills gap in fabrication and welding which is critical to the growth and success of a sustainable offshore wind supply chain in Scotland.
Developed in partnership by ESP (Energy Skills Partnership) and North East Scotland College (NESCol), this competency-based pre-apprenticeship programme accelerates the learner journey and allows direct entry into industry as a Modern Apprentice. This efficient and direct approach enables those studying to gain the skills and knowledge required to enter the workforce faster, and be ready to contribute to north east Scotland’s vital offshore wind supply chain.
Maximising offshore wind will be key to achieving the Scottish Government’s target of net zero emissions by 2045. Gillian Martin MSP, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, attended the launch of the pre-apprenticeship at NESCol.
With the first cohort starting in October this year, there will be one full course of 15 pre-apprentices per year, located across Aberdeenshire, Moray, Caithness and Sutherland, all strategically important regions for offshore wind and the supply chain.
Developed by Ocean Winds, Caledonia is a proposed 2GW offshore wind farm in Scotland’s Moray Firth that is primed to contribute to Scottish and UK Government’s clean power ambitions and will be capable of supplying around two million homes with low-carbon, low-cost electricity. In collaboration with ESP, Caledonia has funded augmented reality (AR) systems for advanced welding training in Scottish colleges which have been used by students since the start of the academic year, visiting 10 colleges with 48 teachers completing train-the-trainer sessions so far.
Gillian Martin MSP, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, said:
“The Scottish Government is working to deliver a just transition that will help us meet our climate targets while building a highly skilled workforce for good, green jobs. This new pre-apprenticeship programme will equip people in the North East with the skills and qualifications needed to pursue careers that are crucial for supporting Scotland’s offshore wind industry. It is a fantastic example of the work being delivered by our partners to help support the country’s transition to net zero.”
Mark Baxter, Project Director of Caledonia, said:
“It is crucial that the talent pipeline for the offshore wind supply chain is prioritised as Scotland looks to accelerate its offshore wind footprint and output. Caledonia is proud to fund the latest of ESP’s programmes supporting the offshore wind sector and we look forward to seeing the first cohort of learners embrace the challenge and opportunity of this comprehensive programme.“
“We are targeting 60% local content within the project and aim to provide opportunities for the supply chain in Scotland to take advantage of Caledonia in development, construction, operation and maintenance phases. We are passionate about investing in the people and infrastructure required to help support Scotland’s long-term offshore wind supply chain, with this pre-apprenticeship being a fantastic example of adding huge value to Scotland’s offshore wind industry prospects.”
Pre-apprentices can undertake full time work-based learning with one day per week at college, working towards an HNC qualification. Once the programme is complete, learners will have developed core skills for working across the energy sector and achieved a Performing Engineering Operations and a National Certificate in Engineering.
Jim Brown, Director of ESP, said:
“The partnership with North East Scotland College, funded by Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm, presents a unique opportunity for local students to develop the skills required to work on offshore wind projects and help to develop a workforce capable of reaching net zero targets. By completing the initial educational phases during the pre-apprenticeship, it equips the students with the skills and knowledge required to complete the balance of the apprenticeship within the workplace and increases productivity for the employer.”