An additional 100 offshore oil and gas workers will be able to
access tailored support to help them transition into the
sustainable energy sector – following a £450,000 increase in
Scottish Government funding.
The funding has been awarded to the Oil and Gas Transition
Training Fund, a joint Scottish Government and UK Government
initiative, in response to demand from oil and gas workers. It
means that over this financial year, at least 300 oil and gas
workers in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire will be able to access
careers advice and funding for training to move into sustainable
energy roles.
More than £120 million has already been invested by the Scottish
Government in the North East through the Just Transition Fund and
the Energy Transition Fund to support the region's transition to
net zero. This funding has helped create green jobs, support
innovation, and secured the highly skilled workforce of the
future.
The funding comes as the First Minister opened Scotland's
largest energy transition skills hub in Aberdeen, which will
support 1000 people from the North East and beyond into roles in
sustainable energy.
Energy Secretary said: “Today marks the
beginning of Scotland's Climate Week, which gives us a chance to
recognise how the skills, experience and expertise of Scotland's
valued oil and gas workers are essential to delivering a
fair and managed energy transition.
“This additional funding to the Oil and Gas Transition Training
Fund will support more offshore workers to take on different
roles across the sustainable energy sector.
“The North East has long been a titan in the oil and gas
industry and it is only right we support the talented and skilled
workforce to move into new roles in the evolving sustainable
energy sector.”
Background
The pilot phase of the Fund is aimed at individuals who either
live or work in Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire, and are currently
working (or have worked in the last two years) in the oil and gas
industry. The Scottish and UK Governments are considering
extending the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund beyond its
current pilot phase
