West College Scotland is one of 11 partner colleges across Scotland to receive funding distributed by ESP, funding that will support the upskilling of tradespeople and support them into roles with better potential for future growth and job retention.
The College will offer training opportunities in areas of the labour market with good employment prospects and the potential for growth. Energy and Energy Efficiency will be a key focus with training available in areas such as: air source/ground source heat pumps, solar thermal and electric vehicle maintenance as well as the more conventional 18th Edition electrical training.
Training must be completed by the 31st July 2022.
Eligibility criteria for 2021-22 has been broadened to include the following characteristics. Candidates must be 25+ years old and either:
- unemployed, at risk of redundancy or hold a job that is under threat as a result of COVID-19 or the economic impact of EU Exit; or
- have identified a skills gap in their current job or to return to employment; or
- have identified a skills gap as part of the ‘Just Transition’ to Net Zero.
Jim Brown, Director of ESP, said:
“The National Transition Training Fund, in association with the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government, is another excellent opportunity for industry. It is designed for those in skilled trades to upskill or retrain in technologies that support Scotland’s transition to Net Zero by developing the skills that will reduce demand for heat, install renewable heat measures, support the onshore and offshore wind sector and decarbonising transport. ESP are delighted to be working with Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council to support this critical aspect in delivering Net Zero for Scotland.”
James Dunphy, Scottish Funding Council – Director for Access, Learning and Outcomes, said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our economy and on the employment of thousands of people across the country. Colleges will play a vital role in supporting economic recovery and providing reskilling and upskilling opportunities. We are delighted to be supporting this initiative which is being run by ESP in collaboration with colleges to deliver training opportunities in areas of potential growth that will meet the needs of employers and individuals impacted by the economic downturn.”
Rob Aitken, Assistant Principal for Technology and Skills at West College Scotland said:
“The College is committed to supporting all members of our local communities through our education and training provision, helping them on into to high-skilled work. The training that the College will provide through the National Transition Training Fund is guided by our understanding of the economy of the West Region, local skills shortages, the need for ever-greater energy efficiency, and the opportunities presented by Scotland’s transition to a Net Zero future. We are especially supportive of people impacted by recent political and economic upheaval as they seek more secure employment through reskilling and upskilling, and are grateful to the Scottish Funding Council and Scottish Government for the funding that will make possible this mission.”
Applications can be made by an individual or their employer. For further details please visit: https://www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk/business/nttf/