Forum will help colleges meet energy industry skills needs

A new initiative to help Scotlands colleges and universities meet the skills needs of the energy industry will be launched this autumn by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).

A series of energy forums meeting across the country will bring Scotlands institutions together with representatives of the oil, gas, nuclear and renewable energy industries, along with industry organisations and training bodies.

Janet Lowe, Chair of SFCs Skills Committee, which is taking the initiative forward said, “The importance of the energy industry to Scotlands prosperity is widely recognised. Colleges and universities are keen to understand the needs of employers now and in the future.”

Dr Lowe continues, “By promoting this forum, we will support colleges and universities to work with the energy industry to try and ensure that sufficient people with the right qualifications are available to meet the industrys needs now and in the future.”

Dr Lowe added, “This is all about partnership working and effective communication.”

“We all want to work towards ensuring that the right people are available at the right time for this vital industry. I look forward to meeting many people from all the stakeholders at the forums and working with them to improve further the responsiveness and relevance of colleges and universities learning provision.”

The first three meetings of the Scottish Further and Higher Education Energy Forum will look at areas for strategic collaboration and change, curriculum development, and current and future skills needs. It will also discuss employability, work readiness and workforce development.

Chris Mitchell