College hoping to spark energy boom

A NEW course aimed at helping students find work in the booming renewable energy sector is to start at West Lothian College.

The college will begin the next academic term with the Skills for Work Renewable Energy course, allowing fifth and six-year pupils to gain a solid qualification and employability skills.

The course, based in the College's Engineering department, covers key areas of renewable energy, such as wind turbines and solar panels, as well as more traditional energy sources such as oil and gas. West Lothian College is building up partnerships with local schools and employers to prepare school pupils for a career in engineering and renewable energy.

Pupils enrolling on the course will attend the college for two afternoons a week as they study towards an SQA Intermediate 2 in Energy. As well as experimenting with a small-scale solar hot water system and wind turbine, pupils will also develop their employability, teamwork and practical skills.

School pupils will include the course in their weekly timetable while studying towards their qualifications.

Graham Clark, who will deliver the Skills for Work course at the college, said: "The Skills for Work programme not only sets the foundation for a career in renewable engineering but also builds on career development and transferable skills."