The Scottish Government has published a new action plan to boost the future development of the offshore wind sector.

Designed to support the training and upskilling of the specialist engineers, technicians, and electricians, the new Offshore Wind Skills Priorities and Action Plan was developed through collaboration with industry partners and the public sector.

The Plan outlines 12 initial actions designed to ensure a robust pipeline of skilled workers. These actions include creating a new engineering foundation apprenticeship, connecting "work ready" programmes with under-represented groups, facilitating the transition of oil and gas workers through skills training, and establishing new training partnerships across the nation.

-- Advertisement --

The strategy also identifies specific priority regions where the demand for this specialist workforce will be greatest: Aberdeen and the North-East, the Highlands and Islands, and Tayside, Central, and Fife.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes underscored the significance of the plan, noting that the expansion of offshore wind represents a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" for economic growth and to create "thousands of high-quality jobs."

The plan builds on existing initiatives, such as the Energy Transition Skills Hub, the college sector Offshore Wind Skills Programme, and the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund, which specifically helps workers retrain and move into new renewable energy roles as part of a just transition.