Thousands more workers in the North Sea will gain access to tailored support aimed at assisting their transition into careers within the sustainable energy sector, thanks to an infusion of £18 million in funding.
The Scottish Government has revealed plans to invest £9 million over the next three years into the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund, which will be matched by an additional £9 million from the UK Government.
This funding will be utilised to provide oil and gas workers with career guidance and training resources to facilitate their movement into roles within the sustainable energy industries.
Initially launched as a pilot program in June in response to requests from oil and gas workers, the initiative has so far received £1.39 million in funding, with at least 300 workers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire expected to benefit during the current financial year.
The extra government funding will enable thousands more workers to receive support by 2029. Both governments will collaborate with trade unions and industry representatives to enhance and promote the program while also looking into avenues for further private investment.
Over £120 million has already been allocated by the government to the north-east through the Just Transition Fund and the Energy Transition Fund, aimed at aiding the region’s journey toward net zero.
The Scottish Government asserts that this funding has fostered the creation of green jobs, encouraged innovation, and ensured a skilled workforce for the future.
Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Scotland’s innovation, expertise and vast renewable energy resources will not only benefit the planet – but deliver new economic opportunities and new jobs for households and communities across the country.
“This continued and expanded funding to the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund will support more offshore workers to take on different roles across the sustainable energy sector over the next three years – helping to deliver a fair and managed transition to the sector.
“We will continue to explore how best to support Scotland’s energy skills transition, working closely with the UK Government on options like guaranteed interview schemes, redeployment pools and skills passporting.”
UK Government Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added: “Communities across Scotland have long been calling out for a new generation of good industrial jobs.
“The clean energy jobs boom can answer that call – and today we publish a landmark national plan to make it happen and places Scotland at the very heart of the clean energy revolution this government is delivering.
“Our plans will help create an economy in which there is no need to leave your hometown just to find a decent job.
“Thanks to this government’s commitment to clean energy a generation of young people in Scotland can have well-paid secure jobs, from plumbers to electricians and welders.
“This is a pro-worker, pro-jobs, pro-union, agenda that will deliver the national renewal our country needs.”
All future funding from the Scottish Government is contingent upon the forthcoming 2026/27 Scottish Budget, the Scottish Spending Review, and future annual Scottish Budgets.