Energy Transition Skills

NESCol is leading the skills revolution at the heart of energy transition.

Expert teams ensure students leave College equipped with the knowledge, technical capability and experience that are vital in an exciting new era.

View courses supporting skills in energy transition

Tens of thousands of jobs are being created as Scotland continues its journey to net zero, as part of the rapid global acceleration of energy transition.

NESCol works closely with industry partners to ensure the skills required in the regional employment market are reflected in the courses we offer and the qualifications our students gain.

Learning and training is being delivered in a number of keys areas. These include:

• Onshore and offshore wind
• Photovoltaics
• Hydrogen power
• Energy saving and low carbon construction technology
• Electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance

NESCol is an active member of the Energy Skills Partnership (ESP) and the National Energy Skills Accelerator (NESA). The College has also partnered with the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) as part of the commitment to expanding net zero training in the region.

The purpose-built Altens and Fraserburgh campuses have a major role to play in the future of the North East.

Students learn in industry-standard construction, engineering and automotive workshops and learning zones. Libraries, gyms, support services and social spaces ensure an engaging and inspiring environment.

Altens Campus is located in Aberdeen’s Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) and are benefiting from significant additional investment.

ETZ Ltd has been awarded £4.5million towards the delivery of Scotland’s first dedicated Advanced Manufacturing Skills Hub. The award is from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund and ETZ is collaborating NESCol and partners across industry to deliver the project.

The Hub is being created within the Skills Campus of the ETZ at Altens Campus and groundworks began in 2023. The plans include demonstration and teaching facilities for new energy transition technologies and an innovative welding and fabrication academy as part of a pioneering approach to building low carbon expertise.

Fraserburgh Campus is also receiving substantial investment to support the net zero ambitions of the region, with a bespoke renewable energy training hub created after donations totalling £500,000 to fund the innovative project.

The generous contribution has come from a local business. The backing from the company supported the introduction of the Future Skills Zone,  which is driving education in areas including Robotics, 3D printing and plotting, virtual reality and other technology focused areas.

The funding has also enabled the design and development of the Future Skills Workshop. This purpose-built learning area has been formed for the delivery of electrical and mechanical renewable engineering programmes for students and school pupils in Fraserburgh and surrounding areas with ambitions to work in the renewable sector.

The facilities also offer the opportunity to upskill Modern Apprentices and reskill existing employees for the sector as well as supporting the expansion of existing programmes, which include NESCol’s offshore wind technician training.

The Future Skills Workshop has been designed to offer maximum flexibility and features a range of renewable components including motors, valves and turbine parts attached to portable rigs which can be tailored to course requirements.

The new zone supports the ongoing development of renewables programmes at the College. Training provision includes: Testing and development of model turbine blades; Hydraulics and pneumatics; Monitoring and optimising solar panel performance; District heating connectivity and transportation; Hydrogen technology; Electric Vehicle technology.

Sustainability is a way of life at NESCol. It isn’t only about the courses being delivered.

College teams are passionate about working with students to reduce the carbon footprint of the College. The aim is to become a net zero institution by 2035.

From major solar energy projects to a fleet of zero emission vehicles and from recycling activity to the use of compostable catering materials, good practice can be found at every turn.

It all adds up to a firm commitment to a green and vibrant future for the region and all those NESCol serves.

¹ Source: Scottish Government