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.

Students learn in industry-standard workshops and learning zones, with purpose-built facilities designed to inspire innovation. 

The new Energy Transition Skills Hub will be at the heart of the region’s journey to net zero when it opens in the summer of 2025.

ETZ Ltd is working with partners to deliver the project, which will be operated by NESCol. It has received funding support from the UK Government and Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray, ETZ, Shell UK and NESCol.  

The new facility, the first of its kind in Scotland, is located adjacent to the College’s existing Aberdeen Altens Campus and within the Skills Campus of the Energy Transition Zone. The Hub will provide:

• Industry-leading workshops and flexible teaching spaces, shaped by the needs of employers;
• Cutting-edge equipment reflecting to the latest advancements in the energy sector and showcasing future technologies related to the likes of offshore wind, electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel, and carbon capture and storage;
• Expert-led learning and training, ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge, technical capability and experience integral to energy transition;
• Accessible training designed to suit the needs of individuals and employers, blending provision for full-time students with opportunities for upskilling and reskilling through part-time, evening and weekend programmes;
• Community spaces for use by local groups and organisations, supporting the ambitions for a just transition for the North East.

The Energy Transition Skills Hub complements the existing facilities at the Aberdeen Altens Campus, including construction, automotive and engineering workshops which replicate industry environments.  

As part of the Energy Transition Skills Hub project, the Energy on the Move vehicle is ready to journey across the North East of Scotland, igniting inspiration for the energy transition.

Housing the ‘Net Zero Challenge’, the vehicle expands into a classroom in the car park, providing a unique learning experience for the next generation.

It aims to demystify the energy transition, raise awareness of low-carbon energy industries and promote pathways into energy careers. Energy on the Move is available to visit schools in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, as well as events across Scotland. 

Find out more about the Energy on the Move vehicle

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 £900,000 to fund a variety of innovative projects.

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.

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. 

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