Scottish Renewables, the green energy trade association, is to launch its first careers brochure 'Get Into Renewables' at the UK's largest renewables trade show in Aberdeen today.

Produced with support from Scottish Enterprise and REpower UK, the brochure is a guide to many of the wide ranging opportunities available for graduates and skilled trades in the renewable energy industry from engineering to marketing.

The renewables industry is concerned that a lack of skilled people will slow the growth of green energy in Scotland and could undermine its fight against climate change and delivery of sustainable economic development – both key Scottish Government objectives. That is why it has published 'Get Into Renewables'.

An unpublished survey by Scottish Renewables of member companies found that recruitment is the third most significant barrier to future growth behind planning issues and access to the electricity grid. The industry is now responding strongly to draw new recruits into this growing sector.

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The brochure will be launched at All Energy where significant numbers of graduates will be in attendance looking to establish new careers in the industry.

Scottish Renewables has also launched a careers section on its website that allows employers to advertise jobs as well as for students to seek voluntary and paid posts and for academic courses to be promoted. The recently launched 'The Path is Green' initiative from Careers Scotland aimed mostly at school leavers was also supported by Scottish Renewables.

Jason Ormiston, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables said: "We recently asked the members of Scottish Renewables what problems they see hampering their success and many said that recruiting for a growing business, as many are in renewables, was posing them some difficulty.

"Our members, who work in all areas of renewables, large and small, tell us they need more, good, skilled people. Therefore, we have published Get Into Renewables for people who need a leg up into this exciting industry.

"More work needs to be done to ensure Scotland's renewables industry is not prevented from meeting its potential because of a want of staff and Scottish Renewables is keen to work with all who have an interest in this area to ensure that Scotland delivers its world leading green energy potential with an industry to match."

Henning Von Barsewisch, Managing Director of REpower UK said: "REpower UK is delighted to support Scottish Renewables' careers brochure. The Renewables industry continues to grow rapidly: for graduates this means excellent long-term career prospects and the opportunity to work in an exciting domain contributing towards the future of energy generation. On the other side, companies like ours benefit immensely from the fresh insight and talent that graduates can bring."

Brian Nixon, Director of Energy at Scottish Enterprise said: "I doubt if there has ever been a more exciting time for energy conscious young graduates and engineers than now."

(GK/JM)