Scotland Invests £1.7M in Offshore Wind Skills Development

Three initiatives across Scotland have secured nearly £1.7 million ($2.25 million) in funding to strengthen training opportunities and develop the workforce needed for the country’s expanding offshore wind industry.

The investment will help establish a regional skills hub serving the Highlands and Islands, expand engineering construction training programmes, and create new courses at North East Scotland College. The projects are also expected to attract a comparable amount of private sector investment, helping to increase training capacity and encourage greater industry participation.

As part of the first funding round under the Offshore Wind Skills Programme (OWSP), the University of the Highlands and Islands has been awarded £1.17 million. The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) will receive £372,842, while North East Scotland College has secured £135,162.

Launched by the Scottish Government in 2026, the OWSP has a total budget of £3.85 million aimed at developing the skilled workforce required to support future offshore wind developments. Additional funding awards are expected to be made throughout 2026 and 2027.

Energy Minister Stephen Gethins announced the funding ahead of a visit to the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, where he is due to meet participants involved in the Scottish-Irish Offshore Wind Internship Pilot.

I am determined to make the most of Scotland’s remarkable energy potential, with industry reports estimating offshore wind could support up to 49,000 jobs in Scotland,” Gethins said. “That is why it is at the centre of both our energy and economic ambitions.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry, colleges, and training organizations in helping achieve those goals.

Meanwhile, the Scottish-Irish Offshore Wind Internship Pilot will provide funding for 20 paid summer placements lasting 12 weeks in Scotland. The opportunities will be shared equally between students from Scotland and Ireland.

The internship scheme is supported by contributions of £100,000 from both the Scottish and Irish governments, alongside £20,000 from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, which is overseeing the programme.