Laura Moodie MSP visited Ayrshire College to see how investment in industry-led training is preparing learners for careers in Scotland’s growing renewable energy and offshore wind sectors.
The South Scotland MSP and Scottish Green Party Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education visited Kilwinning Campus and the Willie Mackie Skills Hub, where she learned more about the College’s expanding renewable energy training provision and ambitions for future growth.
The visit highlighted Ayrshire College’s delivery against the Scottish Government’s Offshore Wind Skills Programme – Targeted Support for Colleges, as well as its progress towards becoming a national Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy.
Through the programme, the College has expanded fabrication and welding pre-apprenticeship provision, enhanced offshore wind career pathways for existing apprentices, delivered targeted training for supply-chain businesses and increased opportunities to study Wind Turbine Operation and Maintenance.
Engineering students have also undertaken Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Basic Technical Training, equipping them with practical skills aligned with the needs of the international wind energy industry.
During the visit, Laura Moodie MSP heard how investment has supported the College’s journey to becoming a GWO-accredited training centre. This included specialist staff development, train-the-trainer qualifications and new facilities at Kilwinning Campus, including a state-of-the-art Working at Height and Confined Space training rig.
The visit also highlighted the College’s partnership with Energy Innovation in Norway, established through the Scottish Education Exchange Programme, which supported its GWO accreditation journey and provided access to international expertise and best practice.
Laura Moodie MSP, said:
It was inspiring to see the practical work taking place at Ayrshire College to prepare learners for careers in renewable energy and offshore wind.
Scotland’s transition to net zero must be a fair and inclusive one, creating high-quality jobs and ensuring people can access the skills and training they need within their own communities.
Colleges have a vital role in making that ambition a reality. Ayrshire College’s investment in specialist facilities, internationally recognised training and strong industry partnerships demonstrates the contribution further education can make to building a greener economy.
I was particularly pleased to hear about the College’s ambition to establish a national Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy, which has the potential to deliver significant benefits for learners, employers and communities across Ayrshire and beyond.
Angela Cox, Principal and Chief Executive of Ayrshire College, said:
Scotland’s transition to a net zero economy presents a significant opportunity for our learners, communities and businesses, but realising that opportunity will depend on having a skilled and adaptable workforce.
We were delighted to welcome Laura Moodie MSP and demonstrate how Ayrshire College is responding through practical, industry-led training that reflects the skills employers need now and in the future.
Our investment in specialist facilities, international partnerships and GWO-accredited training is helping to create clear pathways into high-quality careers while supporting the growth of the renewable energy supply chain.
Our ambition is to build on this strong foundation and establish a national Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy here in Ayrshire, supporting Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions and ensuring that people across the region can benefit from the transition to net zero.
Future development plans include the introduction of additional GWO courses, including Wind Turbine Blade Repair training drawing on the College’s established aeronautical engineering expertise. The College is also exploring the expansion of their micro-renewables provision and wider commercial safety training relevant to renewables, construction and other industries.
These developments will further strengthen Ayrshire College’s role in supporting employers, attracting investment and preparing a skilled workforce for Scotland’s changing economy.