A new state-of-the-art Technology and Innovation Centre at UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Stornoway campus officially opened today (Thursday, May 15, 2025), following a £2.3 million investment.

The facility marks the first capital project to be delivered under the Islands Growth Deal, a ten-year package aimed at driving economic growth and creating sustainable jobs across Shetland, Orkney, and the Outer Hebrides. Funding for the centre came from the Scottish Government (£1.5m via the Islands Growth Deal, £250k via the Islands Programme Fund), Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) (£250k), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (£236k), and UHI (£102k).

The centre includes modern training facilities for engineering students and apprentices, such as virtual welding simulators and a Future Energy Lab dedicated to researching renewable energy technologies. A Newton Room will provide primary and secondary school pupils with hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The project also includes improvements to social spaces for students on campus.

This investment is intended to enable UHI North, West and Hebrides to significantly support the Just Transition to Net Zero by equipping individuals with the skilled workforce needed by employers, developers, and major investors in Scotland's renewable energy sector. The college offers a range of qualifications, available on campus, in work, and online, to build a talent pipeline for this sector.

The college is currently working with 26 employers in the Outer Hebrides to deliver Modern Apprenticeships to around 90 apprentices in trades including carpentry and joinery, electrical engineering, and fabrication and welding. This includes 27 apprentices employed by Navantia UK, operators of the Arnish Yard. UHI North, West and Hebrides, a partner in the Creed Hydrogen Skills and Innovation Centre, is also leading Scotland’s hydrogen technology skills training, offering the only SQA-recognised qualification for engineering technicians specifically focused on hydrogen.

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The modernised facility is expected to increase UHI North, West and Hebrides' capacity for learners on campus and allow for the expansion of its curriculum in key areas such as renewable energy, engineering, construction and the built environment, sustainability, and net zero.

Welcoming the opening, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “These facilities will equip people from the islands with skills to grasp the career opportunities afforded by renewable energy. The centre will help rural communities to thrive by helping them to attract and retain more young people. It is the first project to be completed within the Islands Growth Deal, which has been supported with £50 million from the Scottish Government. The Deal aims to drive growth and create up to 1,300 jobs across Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides by boosting housing, tourism, creative industries and renewable energy.”

Joanna Peteranna, director of area operations at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, stated: “This project, which we are very pleased to support, will transform education and training for UHI NWH students, making the campus more attractive to learners through new technologies. Modern training facilities especially those that support STEM skills are vital for equipping people to seek employment the growing renewable energy sector, retaining young residents and attracting more students to the Outer Hebrides.”

Lydia Rohmer, principal and chief executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, commented: “The once-in-a-generation strategic investment associated with green energy and the Just Transition to Net Zero in the Outer Hebrides is set to drive increased demand for skills based vocational courses and apprenticeships, continuous professional development, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. This investment ensures our campus has the engineering, technology and innovation facilities required by industry... It will allow more people to study, live and access high value jobs locally, and further positions UHI North, West and Hebrides as the go-to academic provider for education, skills and research for the energy sector.”

On Tuesday, employers, major developers from the renewable energy sector, and representatives from local organisations toured the new facilities, meeting staff and students, including apprentices and local school pupils.

Councillor Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “It is hugely pleasing to see the Technology and Innovation Centre at UHI North, West and Hebrides opened. For the island to fully benefit from future major developments it is vital that we invest in the development of a highly-skilled local workforce. This new facility will allow individuals the opportunity to live in the Outer Hebrides while receiving high quality education and training in areas specific to key local growth sectors.”

UHI North, West and Hebrides will be holding a series of open afternoons at the Technology and Innovation Centre throughout May, inviting the public, employers, and prospective students to tour the facilities and learn more about studying engineering.