A major energy firm with a huge wind farm project in East Ayrshire has revealed plans for an apprenticeship scheme in Scotland.
Vattenfall have announced plans to develop an onshore wind apprenticeship programme that will secure around 50 apprenticeships through its delivery of onshore wind in Scotland by 2030.
The scheme, designed to offer young people the opportunity to train across its supply chain, will be rolled out on all future consented onshore wind farms.
As well as offering ‘traditional’ apprenticeship opportunities as Wind Turbine Technicians, projects will also offer a wider range of industry jobs, such as Project Management, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Construction, Habitat Management and Project Communications.
Work will now begin with local specialist stakeholders and supply chain companies to develop programmes tailored to each local area.
Vattenfall’s South Kyle Wind Farm, near Dalmellington - the firm’s largest onshore development in the UK - plans to be fully operational over the summer after seeing the fiftieth and final wind turbine installed last month.
Frank Elsworth, head of onshore wind development UK at Vattenfall, said: “The Scottish Government expect jobs in the energy production sector in Scotland to rise by around 400 per cent over the next 27 years.
“That’s an enormous increase and we need to start working now to ensure the workforce of the future is equipped with the skills we need to fill roles needed across our sites.
“Onshore wind has a hugely diverse supply chain – from ecologists to foresters, engineers to contract specialists, project designers through to wind turbine technicians.
“We believe there’s an opportunity for everyone and that’s why we’re making this scheme as broad as possible, so that local young people can access more of the opportunities that sometimes lie behind the scenes of an industry like ours.”
Alastair Gillen, Growth and Inward Investment Manager at Skills Development Scotland (SDS), added: “Vattenfall’s commitment to work-based learning illustrates how skills are a fundamental part of Scotland’s transition to a low carbon economy.
“Engaging with their local community and investing in emerging talent will help them build a skills pipeline that will enable them to grasp the opportunities available through the energy transition.”
Read next:
- Hugh Grant stuns diners at Ayrshire restaurant after arriving in town
- New parking restrictions at Ayrshire retail park with £100 fine warning issued
- Ayrshire takeaways in 'sad copycat' war of words over logo and brand colours
- Retired Ayrshire teacher sheds six stone after 'challenging herself'
- 'Horrendous' Ayr High Street flats plan approved as local makes 'torture' comparison
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines –sign up to our free daily newsletter
