Comment on the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan

The Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan, published today (Thursday, 17 December 2020), sets out how Scotland will capitalise on job opportunities emerging from the net zero transition and the declaration of a climate emergency.  As part of this, the college sector will ensure that the workforce across Scotland will be upskilled and reskilled so that businesses and communities can play their part in meeting net zero emissions by 2045 as part of the wider COVID-19 economic recovery.

Shona Struthers, Chief Executive of Colleges Scotland, said:

“The Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan is a key development in Scotland’s drive to become a leader in combatting the climate emergency and transition to a net-zero economy. We look forward to colleges, industry and government working together to develop the right blend of college based and online learning, apprenticeships and professional development that will be vital to delivering the skills required to achieve Scotland’s targets and ensure a sustainable, inclusive and green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Jim Brown, Director of Energy Skills Partnership. said:

“ESP welcomes the publication of the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan and its recommendations. It confirms that the work we have been taking forward with our member colleges in response to government policies and emerging industry priorities across; oil and gas and the transition to renewables; construction and energy efficiency; low carbon transport and engineering and manufacture directly align with the climate emergency skills agenda.”