New Skills Academy to support renewables sector in Angus

The new facility will, for the first time in Angus, bridge a gap between teaching and practice, supporting jobs and economic opportunities in the area by delivering practical experience for those looking to work in Scotland’s growing offshore wind industry. Receiving £1.25m of funding from Scottish Government’s Tay Cities Industrial Investment Programme, the Academy will provide facilities and training courses to support the growing demand from offshore wind, low carbon technology and clean growth expansion across the Tay Cities region.

Today, Friday 8 November 2024, Angus Council, Montrose Port Authority, and Dundee & Angus College, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, entering into an agreement to work together to develop the new facility within Customs House at Montrose Harbour. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Montrose is fast becoming a renewables hub, supported by this latest £1.25 million investment from the Scottish Government.

“Offshore wind holds the keys to delivering a greener and more prosperous future for Scotland. The Scottish Government’s Green Industrial Strategy sets out how we maximise the opportunities of net zero by supporting start-ups, reducing barriers to investment and working in partnership with businesses.”

Angus Council Leader, Bill Duff said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to create a facility where employers and skill providers can work together to provide a full spectrum skills development service focused on industrial energy transition, and to support the growing offshore wind sector expanding off the Angus Coast.

“I’m delighted that we are able to work in partnership with Montrose Port Authority and D&A College to pave the way to support new job opportunities in an expanding well paid sector of the economy, whilst increasing productivity through clean growth, protecting places for future generations to live, work and visit.”

Montrose Port Authority Chief Executive, Tom Hutchison, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: “This Montrose-based Skills Academy is a significant step in the Port’s development and reinforces our position as a driver of regional growth. We are immensely proud of its potential to cultivate local talent and the key role it will play in Scotland's energy transition, equipping people with the skills needed to support our renewables sector. By bridging the gap between education and hands-on practice, we’re creating valuable opportunities for local businesses, accelerating job creation, and advancing sustainable development across the region.”

Simon Hewitt, Principal of Dundee & Angus College, said: “The College is extremely proud of the role we play in supporting both social and economic growth within the region, and the new Skills Academy in Montrose is not only an exciting step for the region's renewables sector, but also another key development for the College in offering the facilities, training and support to enable a net zero transition.

“By working closely with local businesses, we will offer accredited qualifications and tailor our training to meet the specific needs of the industry. The Skills Academy will be a hub for training and upskilling and, alongside our partners, we will play a pivotal role in preparing a range of individual learners for future opportunities. We will also support local businesses in accessing the skilled workforce needed for the region's clean growth and offshore wind industries."