An energy efficiency workshop is scheduled to take place in Lerwick, Shetland.

The event is an opportunity for contractors across Shetland to find out more about current and future opportunities in the sector as the Scottish Government has designated energy efficiency as an infrastructure priority. The workshop will take place at Shetland College from 4pm – 6pm on Thursday, 14 September.

With a large number of jobs awaiting estimates and also work which needs to be completed by March 2018, the council is inviting contractors to find out more about these opportunities by attending the workshop.

Carl Symons, Executive Manager of Estate Operations at the council, said: "We expect there will be increased levels of work for construction contractors on the island due to a combination of factors.

“Over the past four years we've received around £4 million from the Scottish Government to carry out insulation and energy efficiency works for houses throughout Shetland, including both social and private. In addition, the Scottish Government is pledging a further programme of work lasting 15-20 years. In the short term the Council has £1 million to spend on area-based schemes by the end of this financial year.

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"The Scottish Government is also looking to bring in minimum energy efficiency standards for the private rented sector, which will result in private landlords having to bring their building stock up to a minimum energy efficiency standard. All grant funded work will need to be carried out by approved contractors, so it's essential that local companies take up any training opportunities that exist so this work can be delivered by local people."

An important condition placed on Scottish Government funding is that contractors carrying out the work have the skills and certifications necessary to provide high quality installations of insulation, heating, controls and renewables.

Ian Cuthbert, Programme Manager, Sustainable Energy Supply Chain Programme for the Energy Saving Trust, said: "We and our partners are committed to helping Shetland contractors benefit from these opportunities. The workshop is the first stage of that. We also want to get their feedback on the level of support they need to participate effectively in this market. These insights will help inform the next stage, which is to provide training to contractors. A key focus is also attracting a greater number of younger people to train as installers."

(LM)