Kate Forbes, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, recently opened Aurora Energy Services’ Renewable Energy Training Centre in Inverness.
The 1.2 million pound training center has already demonstrated its importance to Scotland’s net-zero ambitions, delivering training to more than 1,000 individuals in its first year of operation and positioning itself to train more than 2,000 workers annually who will be central to the country’s renewable energy future.
The 11,000-square-foot center eliminates the need for prospective wind-sector workers from the Scottish Highlands, Western Isles, and Orkney to travel to Aberdeen, the Central Belt, or North England for essential safety and technical training qualifications.
“Our transition to a net zero and climate resilient Scotland will put money in people’s pockets, improve health and wellbeing, lead to better public services and protect our planet for future generations,” said Kate Forbes, deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for Economy. “Workers are at the heart of Scotland’s just transition, and it’s vital we plan for a multi-skilled workforce and enable offshore workers to carry their experience and expertise into different roles as the energy sector evolves.”
The center’s facilities include classroom and audio-visual assets, overhead craneage, working-at-height frame and rope access frames, a mock turbine nacelle and a sea survival tank, and has achieved accreditation from the world’s leading training bodies: the Global Wind Organization, Industrial Rope Access Trade Association, and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board — making it the Highland’s only triple-badged training facility of its kind.
“Establishing the training center has provided a bridge between Scotland’s proud oil and gas energy heritage and our renewable energy future,” said Doug Duguid, Aurora Energy CEO. “If Scotland is serious about meeting net-zero levels by 2045, we have to put in place the workforce to construct, maintain and service the vast wind-related infrastructure, and Aurora’s Inverness facility is playing a vital part in that process.”
More info www.auroraenergy.com
