The future is bright for young engineers from Scotland’s first net zero scholarship

March 14, 2024

Wind Turbine Technician scholars from North East Scotland College (NESCol) are on track to complete their course in the summer, equipped with vital skills for the energy transition. The learners were the first cohort to undertake the engineering scholarship in Scotland and started their training in August 2022.

Designed by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), the scholarship has also been supported with funding from the city’s Energy Transition Zone (ETZ). The programme helps scholars build the strong foundation of engineering knowledge and skills required for progression to employment, and the successful delivery of net zero.

The group has spent the past two years training at NESCol’s Aberdeen Altens and Clinterty campuses, as well as connecting with local employers and gaining invaluable experience with industry site visits.

Scholars receive a £100 grant per week and, on completion of the programme, a range of industry-recognised qualifications. They are set for a busy spring break with further work experience, both in office and workshop-based, lined up.

Paul Balfour, Head of Sector for Mechanical, Electrical and Vehicle Technologies, NESCol, said: “Our engineers have each dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to their scholarships. I have no doubt this will benefit them enormously as they take the next step on their career journey.

“The North East has been at the heart of the energy industry for over 50 years and will continue to play a crucial role as we move towards net zero. Providing our students with the transferable skills they need to thrive in renewables is key to both NESCol and the region we support, and we will continue to provide learning opportunities for this evolving sector.”

The scholars spend five days a week following an intensive training programme, focusing on mechanical engineering in the first year and electrical engineering in the second. They range in age from 19 to 30-years-old and are based in locations across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Hannah Gibb, Wind Turbine Technician scholar, said: “The ECITB scholarship has been a great experience. I enjoyed the combination of hands-on workshops and theory, which was particularly beneficial as someone who is fresh to the industry with no background experience.

“It was the sustainability aspect of the programme that really appealed to me. I’m driven by feeling like I’m contributing to something important, and renewable energy is a growing and exciting sector to be involved in.”

Adrian Wookey, Head of New Entrants at the ECITB, said: “The ECITB Wind Turbine Technician is a great example of a collaborative programme supported by ETZ, industry and the training provider network which aims to bring opportunities to those wishing to enter the energy industry at a crucial stage in its journey to net zero.”

Applications for the next ECITB Wind Turbine Technician scholarship are now open, with the course due to start in August. Please visit the NESCol website for more information and to apply.