£585,000 to fuel green energy skills

TRAINING for workers in green energy firms will be paid for by the Scottish Government to boost the industry, it has been announced.

In total, 650 employees will benefit from a pot of 585,000 from the European Social Fund for training courses.

Education secretary Michael Russell made the announcement yesterday while promoting collaboration with China in the sector, during his visit to the country.

The training, to be delivered through Skills Development Scotland, will enable employers, with fewer than 250 staff to boost the skills of employees in low-carbon technologies.

Mr Russell made the announcement at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, where he was joined by Scottish university experts in marine, solar and bio- energy and prominent Chinese academics in energy studies.

The delegation is visiting as part of the Education UK Scotland programme organised by the British Council to showcase Scotland's global lead in renewable energy research and teaching.

Mr Russell said: "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. Today's announcement further demonstrates that Scotland is investing in our workforce to ensure we have the necessary skills to maintain our lead in the renewable energy field and bring us even closer towards achieving a low carbon economy."

Business leaders last night welcomed the announcement.

David Lonsdale, of CBI Scotland, said: "Ensuring Scotland's workforce has the skills necessary to support the move to a low-carbon economy will be crucial if we are to capitalise on the potential the green economy has to offer.

"This announcement is welcome recognition of that."