Key appointment for ASET International Energy Training Academy

April 17, 2024

John Reid has been appointed Chair of the board of the ASET International Energy Training Academy.

The Aberdeen-based company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of North East Scotland College, provides a wide range of training for the energy, engineering and construction industries in areas including process, maintenance engineering, electrical, ex hazardous areas, emergency response and marine.

Mr Reid, who will combine the post with his duties as Chair of the University of Edinburgh commercialisation service Edinburgh Innovations and as a non-executive director of global engineering and construction organisation Dowds Group, brings a wealth of industry experience to the role.

The engineering graduate, a time-served electrical engineer, served at managing director level with a number of organisations, including leading the European operations of global electronics component manufacturer Bourns. He also previously worked with Altus Intervention (Qinterra) and was based in Stavanger, Norway, in a global supply chain capacity, working closely with the teams in Aberdeen and Houston.

He said: “ASET is well-established in the training sector and has an excellent track record in supporting businesses in the North East and far beyond. I am looking forward to working with my fellow board members and the ASET team as we plan for the next phase of the evolution of the business, with exciting opportunities for growth and establishing new training partnerships.

“The diversification the energy industry is experiencing, as transition is embraced and accelerated, has been mirrored by ASET and we recognise that we are in the early stages of that journey. As the path to net zero continues, it is vital that we continue to develop the ASET offering to continue to meet the changing needs of employers in home and overseas markets.

“There are also ambitions to bring the expertise of the ASET team to new sectors and to ensure that our own innovation underpins the development of the businesses in new and emerging areas of the regional and Scottish economy.”

Developing capacity for training in renewable energy has been a key focus for ASET, with the company approved by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and OPITO to meet recognised international industry standards.

Atholl Menzies, ASET Chief Executive, said: “I look forward to working with John as we shape our strategy and expand regional, national and international partnerships.  The board, under John’s leadership, plays an important part in ASET’s development.

“The ability to flex our commercial training portfolio to reflect industry outlook has traditionally been one of ASET’s strengths. That agility is more important than ever in such a fast-paced environment, where transferable skills are equipping the workforce for a bright and sustainable future.”

ASET operates from its main base at NESCol’s Aberdeen Altens Campus, where facilities include a fully functioning oil and gas training platform and control system, as well as from facilities at the College’s Clinterty and City campuses. For further information visit www.aset.co.uk.