A new partnership has been launched at West Lothian College to enhance employment and skills development opportunities for students entering the green energy sector. The collaboration between the college and energy-efficiency specialists Warmworks and Sureserve Energy Services aims to address the skills gap required to support Scotland's move toward a net-zero economy.

Through this initiative, students will gain access to mentored training, site visits, work placements, and industry talks. These resources are specifically designed to facilitate entry into apprenticeships and roles within the future decarbonisation workforce. The launch event took place at the college's Livingston campus, attended by leaders from the three organisations and stakeholders from the retrofit and education sectors.

The partnership arrives at a critical time for the industry, particularly as the intake for new apprenticeships in trades such as insulation remains low. By aligning education with industry needs, the partners intend to build a coordinated pipeline for talent linked to national environmental goals.

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Hazel Brady, Interim Principal and CEO of West Lothian College, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Warmworks and Sureserve Energy Services, demonstrating the power of education and industry working together to ensure people gain the skills, confidence and experience needed for the jobs that will shape a net zero future. This partnership brings our vision to life, combining student focused education, strong employer collaboration and real impact for our region. It also demonstrates the College's leadership in tackling national priorities through local action and reinforces our role as a trusted partner of choice."

The initiative is part of Warmstart, an employability programme delivered by Warmworks that focuses on providing practical routes into the low-carbon heat and energy-efficiency sectors.

Scott Paton, Director at Sureserve Energy Services, commented: "This new partnership with Warmstart and West Lothian College is an excellent opportunity that Sureserve are really pleased to be a key part of. This collaboration will help create green jobs for the future and help drive Scotland's progress towards a net zero workforce. Being able to provide real life experience and on the job learning for students is one of the best ways an organisation like ours can do our bit, and having official routes like this partnership means those opportunities will be easier to access. That can only be a good thing."

John Renwick, Communities Manager at Warmworks, added: "Developing the skilled workforce needed to deliver Scotland's ambitions for decarbonisation is one of the biggest challenges facing the energy efficiency sector. Warmstart is creating clear, practical routes into employment by giving learners access to real world experience and industry led training. Our partnership with West Lothian College and Sureserve Energy Services is bringing together education and employers in a way that ensures people are being trained for the jobs needed for a net-zero future."