Green Academies, the first of their kind in Scotland, are to be set up over the next year.

The Academies, run by Scottish Gas, will train a green army to install eco technology in Scottish homes.

A total of 447 green energy jobs will be supported including the creation of 77 new jobs and apprenticeships. Links to local college courses will help recruit local apprentices.

The state-of-the-art skills hubs will showcase green technologies such as insulation, air source heat pumps and super efficient boilers, all to be installed under the Scottish Government initiative which provides heating help for low-income households.

Trainee engineers will also learn how to install solar panels and heating systems using high-tech micro-generation technologies which generate their own power.

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The Academies will help deliver the Scottish Government's ongoing strategy for growth, as set out in the Economic Recovery Plan, in particular by providing more of the skilled workers that are a key way of attracting and supporting growth companies in Scotland.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "Green Academies will provide people with the right skills to work in the rapidly expanding eco sector. This offers opportunities for a whole new generation of young people - a Green Army for Scotland helping to support a sustainable, modern, low-carbon economy for Scotland.

"What's more, hard-pressed households will save £9.5million off their annual fuel bills with the help of our Home Energy Scotland scheme.

"This initiative is crucial to our growth strategy for Scotland. It will provide more skilled workers to help establish an environment that is attractive to growth companies. And it will help to build up green technologies - a key growth sector of the Scottish economy."

Betsy Bassis, Managing Director of Scottish Gas Community Energy commented: "The investment Scottish Gas is making in green skills, across our green skills centres, demonstrates our commitment to contributing towards a low carbon economy for Scotland. Our academy is designed to give our engineers the skills they need to increase the take up of renewables technologies across the country. At Scottish Gas we are pleased to be able to work with the Scottish Government towards this goal."

(GK/KMcA)